On July 25, a video showed activist Satyam Pandit confronting two Bareilly youths at the Jantar Mantar protest, demanding their name, address and religion before slapping one. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav condemned the BJP and demanded the accused’s arrest.

Key Takeaways

  • Two Bareilly youths were assaulted by activist Satyam Pandit during a Jantar Mantar protest
  • The video captured demands for personal details and a physical slap
  • Akhilesh Yadav called for immediate arrest of the accused

Incident Overview

Ayush Ranjan and Rahul Pal, both in their early twenties from Bareilly’s Mahadev locality, travelled to Delhi on July 23 to join a student protest demanding the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak. On the morning of July 25, as they headed to Jantar Mantar, a car stopped in front of them and several youths emerged, assaulting them and hurling abuse.

The video circulating on social media shows the alleged perpetrator, identified as Satyam Pandit, demanding the youths’ names, addresses and religion before slapping one of them. Although police were nearby, the victims felt their grievances would not be heard and did not file an immediate complaint.

Political Reaction

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took to X (formerly Twitter) in Hindi, denouncing the “misconduct, abusive language, and violence perpetrated by the BJP and its associates” and demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. District SP president Shublesh Yadav echoed the call, urging an impartial inquiry and strict action.

Police Response

Station House Officer Radheshyam of Fareedpur Police Station assured that the two youths face no immediate danger and that police presence in the area has been increased. However, no FIR has yet been lodged against Pandit.

Historical Background

Jantar Mantar has long been a focal point for mass protests in Delhi, ranging from anti-corruption rallies to student movements. The NEET paper leak controversy sparked nationwide student protests in 2025, leading to several confrontations between demonstrators and law‑enforcement agencies.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such incidents highlight the fragile balance between political activism and hate‑driven intimidation in India, raising concerns about the safety of young demonstrators and the role of law enforcement.

"Ensuring that protestors can express dissent without fear of targeted harassment is fundamental to a healthy democracy," says political scientist Dr. Maya Rao.
Did You Know?: Jantar Mantar has been the site of over 300 major protests since the 1970s, many of which have resulted in landmark legal and policy changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Has the police filed any charges against the activist?

A: As of now, no formal FIR has been registered, though the police have increased patrols in the area.

Q2: What legal recourse do the youths have?

A: They can file a complaint with the local police or approach the district court for a protection order and criminal charges.