16 Delhi Metro stations shut as security tightened over Jantar Mantar protest

New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Wednesday closed 16 Metro stations across central Delhi as authorities stepped up security arrangements in view of the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar.

Despite the closures, DMRC said interchange facilities will remain operational at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, allowing commuters to switch between Metro lines without exiting the stations.

The stations closed are Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh and Shivaji Stadium.

The restrictions come after violent protests erupted earlier this week when thousands of demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar and attempted to march towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG paper leak.

The protest drew students, opposition leaders and activists seeking greater accountability in the education system. Delhi Police have said they are conducting a thorough investigation into the violence that occurred during the demonstrations.

Security has been significantly strengthened across the protest zone and surrounding areas to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday night, Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh met innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after he was shifted there from Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital for further treatment.

Wangchuk was moved to Medanta by ambulance under tight security following directions from the Delhi High Court. According to hospital officials, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under the care of internal medicine specialist Dr Sushila Kataria.

The meeting between the Union ministers and Wangchuk took place as the activist's indefinite hunger strike entered its 25th day on Wednesday.

With inputs from IANS