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Actor Sonu Sood has expressed concern over the police action during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)‘s student protest in Delhi, urging authorities to adopt a compassionate approach while addressing the concerns of young demonstrators. His reaction came after clashes broke out during the “Chalo Sansad” protest on July 20, where thousands of students and supporters gathered to demand education reforms and accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Taking to social media, Sonu shared a heartfelt message in both Hindi and English, stating, “हमारे छात्रों को लाठियाँ नहीं, गले लगाने वाले हाथ चाहिए” (“Our students do not need batons; they need hands that embrace them”). He further wrote, “The future of our country deserves a hug, not a lathi,” emphasizing that students should be heard through dialogue rather than met with force.
The protest began at Jantar Mantar, with thousands of demonstrators assembling despite heavy rainfall before marching towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Protesters sought urgent reforms in the education system, transparency in examination processes, action over alleged NEET irregularities, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration witnessed heightened security arrangements, with reports of tear gas shelling and lathi-charge as clashes erupted between protesters and police.
Following the unrest, Delhi Police stated that sections of the crowd had become “unruly, aggressive and violent,” defending the security measures taken during the protest. The incident has since sparked widespread public debate over the handling of student demonstrations and the need for peaceful engagement between authorities and protesters.
Sonu Sood’s statement has added to the growing chorus of public figures calling for empathy in dealing with student movements. His message has resonated across social media, with many users praising the actor for advocating dialogue and urging authorities to prioritize communication over confrontation.
On the professional front, Sonu Sood was last seen in the 2025 action drama Fateh, alongside Naseeruddin Shah, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vijay Raaz, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. The actor continues to remain active in social causes, often using his platform to comment on issues of public interest.