Who Is Barkha Trehan: Barkha Trehan, a men’s rights activist who identifies herself as the president of Purush Aayog, has come under national attention after being detained by Delhi Police for allegedly throwing blue ink at Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The incident occurred on Saturday while Dipke was addressing supporters and announcing an indefinite hunger strike following the hospitalisation of activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Who is Barkha Trehan?
Barkha Trehan is known in public circles as a men’s rights activist and serves as the president of an organisation called Purush Aayog, which advocates on issues affecting men, including legal reforms relating to family laws and alleged misuse of certain legal provisions. According to reports, she has been active on social media and has participated in campaigns concerning men’s rights.
Yes, I Barkha Trehan am the woman who threw ink on that radical Urban Naxal Abhijeet Dipke because he laughed when my Prabhu Shri Ram Ji was insulted on his Cockroach Janta Party stage.
I am a Kattar Hindu. I was very upset. This was my protest and I am proud of it.
Jai Hind.…
— Barkha Trehan 🇮🇳 / बरखा त्रेहन (@barkhatrehan16) July 18, 2026
Trehan has also been associated with previous public controversies. Several media reports note that she had faced criticism in the past over her public support for former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who was convicted in the Unnao rape case. That earlier controversy has resurfaced following the latest incident at Jantar Mantar.
What Happened At The Protest?
The incident happened at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, just after Sonam Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital because there were concerns about his health during this long hunger strike he was doing. In response, Abhijeet Dipke announced that he would continue the fast.
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While Dipke was speaking to supporters, Barkha Trehan walked towards the stage and allegedly threw blue ink at him. Protest volunteers immediately intervened, and Delhi Police detained her. Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific charges filed against Trehan as of Sunday.
Despite the disruption, Dipke urged supporters to remain calm and responded by saying, “Blue is my colour, Jai Bhim,” before continuing with the programme.
Police Action And Investigation
Delhi Police detained Barkha Trehan at the protest venue immediately after the incident. Officials have confirmed her identity, and the matter remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet announced whether further legal action or formal charges will follow.
“Delhi Police is planning to crackdown on our protest during night or early hours of morning – silencing the voice of youth. We request everyone to join us for night vigil at Jantar Mantar, so that together we can march to Sansad on July 20,” Dipke posted on X. The ink attack comes at a time when demonstrations tied to Sonam Wangchuk’s protest have drawn big public attention. This incident adds another layer of tension to the already ongoing agitation and it has kicked off broad, back and forth talk about political expression, protest security and how people should behave during public demonstrations.
