ADCP Sandeep Lamba Removed from Jantar Mantar Duty After Slap Video Sparks Outcry

What we can verify

• Officer identified: Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East District) Sandeep Lamba, a DANIPS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Service) officer, was deployed at the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest site at Jantar Mantar on Monday, 20 July 2026.

• Alleged assault captured on video: Multiple videos circulated on social media on Monday evening showing Lamba allegedly slapping a female protester who was standing at the periphery of the protest. The woman appears not to be engaging in any aggression at the moment of contact.

• Police action on Wednesday: On 22 July, Delhi Police sources confirmed to The Indian Express that Lamba had been removed from the protest site and directed to report back to his station of posting. The decision came a day after the videos went viral and triggered widespread criticism.

• Delhi High Court mention: During a hearing on 22 July concerning police conduct at the July 20 protest, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan explicitly named Lamba, stating: “The video shows specifically ADCP Sandeep Lamba – that is his name, his badge is captured – slapping a woman who is standing on the side and doing nothing… He should be summoned here and asked to be accountable for his actions. It was completely unprovoked.” The court was hearing a petition flagging police excesses.

• Separate FIR on RAF personnel: On Tuesday night (21 July), two Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were allegedly attacked by a group of protesters at the Tolstoy Marg–Parliament Street intersection. A 35‑second clip shows one officer knocked down and kicked. Delhi Police registered an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita; the injured personnel are hospitalised.

What remains unverified

• The exact sequence of events immediately before the slap (whether any verbal exchange or physical provocation occurred off‑camera) – the available clips start at the moment of contact.
• Whether any departmental inquiry or disciplinary proceeding beyond the removal from the protest site has been initiated against Lamba.
• The identity of the woman slapped; she has not been named in public reports.
• Claims on social media about the total number of protesters injured or detained on 20–21 July – police have not released an official tally; the only confirmed figures are the two injured RAF personnel.

Context

The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, sparked by the NEET paper‑leak row, entered its third day on 22 July. Monday’s march towards Parliament was met with lathi‑charge and tear gas. The Lamba incident became a flashpoint for criticism of police handling of the demonstrations. The High Court hearing on Wednesday also took note of the broader pattern of force used against protesters.

This report is based on the Indian Express story dated 22 July 2026 and the News Pinch ground report from the same day. Unconfirmed social‑media claims are marked accordingly.