CJP protesters apologise to journalist after Jantar Mantar heckling

Student protesters have publicly apologised to journalist Kapil Raut after an incident at the Jantar Mantar agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party on 20 July, when some demonstrators surrounded and allegedly heckled him. The apology came after the CJP-led protest concluded successfully with the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on 25 July.

Viral videos show demonstrators expressing regret after the movement ended. They admitted their earlier conduct towards him was wrong. One protester wearing a cockroach mask shook hands with Raut and apologised. The reporter accepted the apology, ending things peacefully.

"We were really impressed with the patience you showed at that time," one protester said. Many students said they had become "fans" after that incident. The journalist was seen shaking hands and even hugging some of them.

"It was nothing. They were protesting. Nobody misbehaved. Everyone is fine," Raut said.

Social media users had mixed reactions. Many appreciated the students for stepping forward to apologise, stating it showed maturity and respect. Others criticised the initial heckling incident. "Apologies matter – glad to see students step forward," one user wrote. "Respect regained – from trolling to apologies," wrote another.