Nagpur Protester Featured in Viral ‘Maaro Sir’ Video Alleges Assault During Jantar Mantar Lathi Charge
New Delhi, 21st July 2026: A protester from Nagpur, seen in a viral video from the police lathi charge at Jantar Mantar on Monday, has alleged that he was repeatedly beaten by Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel during the crackdown on demonstrators.
The incident occurred during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) march towards Parliament, where protesters were demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks.
As the protest intensified, Delhi Police carried out a lathi charge at the Jantar Mantar protest site, dispersing demonstrators and removing tents that had been erected at the venue.
Among the videos circulating on social media was one showing a lone protester surrounded by security personnel wielding lathis. In the footage, the man repeatedly says, “Maaro, sir” (“Hit me, sir”) as he is struck multiple times. A policewoman carrying the Tricolour is later seen stepping in and attempting to move him away from the group.
The protester was later identified as Bharat Banait, a resident of Nagpur. Speaking to The Indian Express, Banait alleged that he was beaten by around 15 to 20 RAF personnel during the police action.
“I was hit on the head and on every inch of my body. Around 15-20 RAF officers were hitting me. This is a protest by students, and I condemn the government’s action against it,” Banait said.
Following the crackdown, Delhi Police appealed to protesters to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement. In a video message posted on X, Additional Commissioner of Police Rajeev Ranjan urged demonstrators to protest peacefully, avoid unlawful or violent activities, and follow the directions issued by police personnel deployed at the site.
Meanwhile, CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Minister J P Nadda on Monday. In a post on X, Das said Nadda assured the delegation that the protesters’ demands would be discussed at the appropriate level.
