The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Wednesday alleged that internet services had been suspended around Jantar Mantar, where its supporters and students have been protesting to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In a post on X, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned whether the suspension was a precursor to another police crackdown on the demonstrators.
"Internet service shutdown at Jantar Mantar. Govt planning another brutal crackdown?" Dipke wrote.
The allegation came as Delhi Police intensified security at Jantar Mantar following an attack on a police contingent at Connaught Place, where miscreants allegedly pelted stones and bottles at personnel, injuring one officer.
Dipke in his post appealed to police and paramilitary personnel deployed at the protest site not to use force against demonstrators.
"Appeal to police and paramilitary forces deployed to crush the protest. Do not obey illegal orders that ask you to beat up innocent protesters. This is your test as well. Will you stand with the people, or with authoritarians," he wrote.
Hundreds of students have been protesting at Jantar Mantar since July 20, when police stopped a "Sansad Chalo" march and used batons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Several protesters and police personnel were injured during the clashes.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28, said on Wednesday that he would end his fast if the Centre assured that no punitive action or FIRs would be initiated against students and youth who participated in the protests.
Wangchuk is currently undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after being shifted from Safdarjung Hospital following an order by the Delhi High Court.
