Woman Throws Ink-Like Liquid at Abhijeet Dipke at Jantar Mantar Protest

NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, even as an ink-like blue liquid was hurled at him during his address and the health of three students already on fast deteriorated. Dipke remained unfazed and repeatedly asked his supporters to stay calm and remain seated. “Blue is my colour. Jai Bhim,” he said.

Dipke was addressing supporters and announcing the start of his fast when a woman walked towards him and threw the blue liquid at him, briefly disrupting the programme. Volunteers and supporters restrained the woman as some members of the gathering rushed towards the stage.

The incident occurred hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly taken by Delhi Police to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike. AISA activists Neha, Aameen and Manish continued their fast following Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, though their worsening health caused concern among fellow protesters.

Police identified the woman as Barkha Trehan and escorted her from the protest venue. While being taken away, she alleged that she had been assaulted and raised religious slogans. Police said she had been detained and an investigation was underway. The motive behind the incident was not immediately clear.

Trehan describes herself on X as a men’s rights activist and president of “Purush Aayog”. She had levelled allegations against male CJP leaders in a social media post on Friday.

Her recent social media activity showed her participating in protests at Jantar Mantar, including one supporting former BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar. She had also posted about the Siya Goyal case. In June, she shared photographs from an event marking 12 years of the Modi government and said she had interacted with several senior BJP leaders.

Hours after the incident, with traces of blue still visible on his hands, Dipke posted a video message saying the CJP would continue its agitation despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation.

Alleging that Delhi Police could act against the protesters during the night or early morning, he urged supporters to join a night vigil at Jantar Mantar. Dipke said the protesters planned to march towards Parliament on July 20.