Naseeruddin Shah Slams Delhi Police Over Student Protest Crackdown, Calls Officers ‘Gundas’

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has strongly criticised the Delhi Police over the alleged use of force against students during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest in the national capital. In an emotional video shared on social media, the actor condemned the lathi-charge on demonstrators and referred to the police personnel involved as “gundas”, saying he was deeply disturbed by the images emerging from the protest site.

Shah’s remarks came in the wake of clashes during the “Sansad Chalo” march organised by the CJP, where thousands of students and supporters attempted to march towards Parliament demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak. Police used barricades and force to disperse protesters after they tried to breach security restrictions, leading to injuries and widespread criticism from opposition leaders, activists and members of the film industry.

In his video, the acclaimed actor said he was “boiling with anger” over the treatment of students. Questioning why young people raising concerns about their future were being met with force, Shah accused the authorities of suppressing peaceful voices instead of listening to their demands. He said the visuals from Delhi had left him heartbroken and described the incident as an example of “zulm” (oppression) against the country’s youth.

Expressing solidarity with the protesters, Shah said students deserved empathy and dialogue rather than violence. He urged those in power to recognise that the demonstrators were fighting for transparency and fairness in the education system. According to the actor, responding to peaceful protests with baton charges would only deepen public resentment instead of resolving the underlying issues.

The protests have intensified in recent weeks after education reformer Sonam Wangchuk joined the movement and began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the students. Wangchuk has demanded reforms in the examination system and called for accountability over alleged lapses. He was recently shifted to hospital after his health deteriorated following weeks of fasting, but organisers have said the agitation will continue until their demands are addressed.

Naseeruddin Shah is among a growing number of film personalities who have publicly supported the student movement. In recent days, celebrities including Riteish Deshmukh, Diljit Dosanjh, Vishal Dadlani, Prakash Raj, Sonu Sood, Vir Das, Dia Mirza, Soha Ali Khan and Genelia Deshmukh have expressed concern over the police action or urged the government to engage with students through dialogue. Their statements have amplified the debate surrounding education reforms and the handling of the protests.

Meanwhile, misleading videos circulating on social media claimed that Shah had personally joined the protests at Jantar Mantar. However, fact-checks clarified that the viral footage was recorded in Mumbai and not at the protest site in Delhi. While Shah did not attend the demonstration, he made his views known through his video message, strongly criticising the violence against protesters.

Authorities have maintained that security measures were necessary to preserve law and order during the march. The student movement, however, continues to gain momentum across the country, with demonstrations and solidarity events being organised in multiple cities. Protesters have reiterated demands for greater transparency in public examinations, systemic reforms in the education sector and accountability from those responsible for the alleged irregularities.

Shah’s intervention has added another prominent voice to the ongoing public conversation surrounding the protests. His emotional appeal, combined with his criticism of the police response, has sparked widespread discussion online, with supporters praising him for speaking out while others debated the role of celebrities in commenting on politically sensitive issues.