'Cockroaches never die': Why RAF officer Sonia Sehrawat, her Instagram story are at the centre of CJP protest

RAF officer Sonia Sehrawat has become a focal point of controversy amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in Delhi. According to reports, Sehrawat, an officer in the Rapid Action Force (RAF), allegedly posted a short reel on her Instagram story that read, “Can’t fix themselves and they wanna fix the country.” The post, which has since been deleted, is believed to have been made a day after the CJP's Parliament march on July 20. The content of the post, which critics argue insults the protesters, has gone viral and sparked sharp backlash from the CJP, which accuses Sehrawat of mocking the movement and justifying the perceived brutality of security forces. The CJP, known for its slogan “cockroaches never die,” condemned the post as “absolutely shocking.” In a statement on X, the group claimed that Sehrawat viewed peaceful protesters as “cockroaches” and implied that the police's actions were justified due to this perception. The group further stated, “We are cockroaches. And cockroaches never die,” highlighting the symbolic language used to describe both the protesters and the security forces. TMC MP Mahua Moitra joined the critique, sharing a screenshot of the post on X and demanding that authorities investigate Sehrawat’s identity, residence, and professional conduct. The controversy surrounding Sehrawat intensified following a direct confrontation with Abhijeet Dipke, a founder of the CJP. On July 20, Dipke publicly questioned Sehrawat about allegations that RAF personnel had used excessive force against protesters, including women. Standing atop a lorry, Dipke confronted Sehrawat, asking, “Ma’am, as a woman, I want to know… Do you support brutality against women being done by men?” He referenced a woman protester who alleged she had been assaulted by security personnel, stating, “This girl said she was assaulted and hit on her chest. What is this? Is this right, ma’am?” Sehrawat, standing alongside her team, responded calmly and patiently to Dipke’s accusations. Despite the criticism, she expressed appreciation for his willingness to engage. “I’ve been here at the protest site for over a month, but no police officer has listened to me the way ma’am has,” Dipke remarked. He acknowledged that while he had faced criticism for pausing the march, he felt compelled to prioritize the safety of the protesters. When asked about the allegations, Sehrawat told Hindustan Times that RAF personnel under her command did not intentionally or unintentionally assault any protesters. “It was not done by my jawans, neither intentionally nor unintentionally. They are manned and trained to save women,” she said. She explained that she had repeatedly urged protesters to maintain distance and avoid crowding. “When chaos erupted, I urged and requested everyone to maintain distance and not stand too close. However, the protesters brought the women to the front while they themselves stayed behind. I don’t know what their motive was. How much can we say?” she added. Sehrawat further noted that three women fell after the crowd surged from behind, resulting in a stampede. Her comments underscored the complex dynamics at play during the protest, where tensions between protesters and security forces escalated rapidly. Meanwhile, the CJP continues to gain momentum, with its protests drawing increasing numbers of participants. The movement has evolved beyond initial demands, with some activists now targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly. Protesters have adopted increasingly confrontational rhetoric, accusing Modi of undermining democratic values and prioritizing authoritarian control. Graffiti and posters bearing slogans such as “Vote chor Modi” and “PM is compromised” have appeared across central Delhi, reflecting the growing frustration among young activists. As the situation unfolds, the role of technology in sustaining the protests has also come under scrutiny. Reports indicate that the Delhi Police is investigating whether protesters are using offline messaging apps to bypass internet blackouts. These apps, which rely on Bluetooth to create local networks, allow users to communicate without internet connectivity. While the police have not confirmed the extent of such usage, the investigation highlights the evolving tactics employed by protesters to resist state-imposed restrictions.