Delhi Metro shuts 17 stations as CJP presses nationwide protests after Wangchuk ends fast

Delhi Metro closed entry and exit at 17 stations in Central Delhi on Friday, 24 July 2026, as security arrangements tightened around Jantar Mantar. Indian Express reported the list includes Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Lok Kalyan Marg, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, JLN Stadium, Jangpura, Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, INA, Sarojini Nagar, Bhikaji Cama Place, Sir Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh, Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus, Delhi Cantt, and Naraina Vihar, with Jhandewalan also shut.

The step lands as Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) says protests will continue nationwide even after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, per Indian Express, welcomed the end of the fast and said the peaceful agitation goes on until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over the NEET paper-leak crisis.

What we can verify

• DMRC shut entry/exit at the 17 named Central Delhi stations (plus Jhandewalan) on Friday amid the Jantar Mantar security grid. — Indian Express
• Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram; Union ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh were present, per the same IE live report.
• Dipke said CJP’s peaceful protests continue and still seek Pradhan’s resignation; IE also notes PM Narendra Modi’s public appeal that Wangchuk follow medical advice.
• News Pinch ground coverage the same morning frames Jantar Mantar mood after the fast ends and asks what CJP does next. — KFAxh60Y6t4; separate News Pinch cut treats the protest as broader Gen-Z ownership. — J8dixmCl6HI

What remains unverified

• Headcounts at Jantar Mantar or other state capitals on Friday morning: [unverified] in the sources above.
• Any claim that every state capital already has a permitted CJP rally today: [unverified].
• Exact medical condition details beyond “ended the fast / hospital setting”: leave to hospital or Wangchuk’s own statements.