Shrey Gupta, a 28-year-old artificial intelligence engineer from Ahmedabad, has launched an online platform called 'The Unbadged' to document police violence against students during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest held on July 20 at Jantar Mantar, Delhi. The protest was sparked by the NEET 2026 exam paper leak and the tragic suicides of over 20 aspirants, which led to widespread youth unrest and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Gupta’s platform serves as a digital archive, collecting anonymous submissions and compiling a detailed timeline of the protest day, which saw police using lathis, teargas, and pellet guns against students attempting to march towards the parliament. Since its launch, the website has attracted over 10,000 users and received 80 submissions by July 30.
Why the CJP Protest Sparked National Attention
The CJP protest was a response to serious concerns over the integrity of India’s examination system. The NEET 2026 paper leak scandal shook the confidence of millions of students preparing for competitive exams, which are often seen as gateways to higher education and career opportunities. The subsequent suicides of aspirants highlighted the immense pressure and stakes involved.
Students and youth activists gathered at Jantar Mantar to demand accountability and reforms. However, the protest escalated when police forces allegedly used excessive force, including pellet guns and teargas, against unarmed students. Many officers were reportedly unbadged, which raised questions about accountability and transparency during the crackdown.
Key Facts About 'The Unbadged' Platform
- Created by Shrey Gupta, an AI engineer with a background in physics from IISc Bangalore.
- Launched within hours on the night of July 21, 2023, after Gupta was moved by videos of police brutality.
- Features a timeline of events on July 20, compiled from news reports, videos, and social media posts with original timestamps.
- Includes an anonymous Google form for users to submit evidence without fear of identification.
- Named 'The Unbadged' to highlight the large number of police personnel without identification badges during the protest.
- Received over 10,000 visitors and 80 submissions within the first ten days.
- Gupta ensured no facial recognition or public disclosure of sensitive submissions to protect contributors.
Why This Platform Matters for Accountability and Memory
Gupta’s motivation for creating 'The Unbadged' was to ensure that the events of July 20 are not erased or forgotten amid political cycles. He emphasized that the platform is not aligned with any political party but is focused on preserving a factual public record in a democratic society.
The website serves as a countermeasure against misinformation and attempts to downplay or erase the violent response to peaceful protests. By collating verified evidence and firsthand accounts, it offers a resource for students, activists, journalists, and the public to understand what transpired.
However, Gupta’s activism has drawn unwanted attention. After launching the site, he faced harassment including repeated unsolicited calls and messages, and claims that his personal information was leaked online. He was also questioned by police officers who warned him about posting protest-related content online. Despite this, Gupta remains committed to documenting these events for posterity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is 'The Unbadged' platform?
A: It is an online archive created by AI engineer Shrey Gupta to document police violence during the July 20 CJP protest in Delhi, collecting anonymous evidence and compiling a timeline of events.
Q: Why was the CJP protest held?
A: The protest was against the NEET 2026 exam paper leak and the resulting suicides of over 20 aspirants, demanding fairness and accountability in the examination system.
Q: Has Shrey Gupta faced any consequences for creating the platform?
A: Yes, Gupta has reported harassment including phone spam, doxxing, and police questioning, but he continues to maintain the platform to preserve a public record.
