Auto Driver Rakesh Kumar Yadav Offers Free Rides to CJP Protesters Near Jantar Mantar
An auto-rickshaw driver in New Delhi provided free transportation to stranded Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters near Jantar Mantar on July 20, 2026. The driver, identified as Rakesh Kumar Yadav, refused to accept any fare from the demonstrators who were struggling to reach the protest site due to a heavy security clampdown in the central parts of the capital.
The protest, which was organized against examination paper leaks, drew thousands of demonstrators to the capital. However, authorities had implemented strict security measures, closing nearby Delhi Metro stations, setting up widespread police barricades, halting bus services, and causing internet disruptions. This left many protesters stranded and forced to walk long distances to reach Jantar Mantar.
Aishwarya, an Instagram user who witnessed the event, shared a video detailing her experience. She explained that with online cabs unavailable and metro stations shut, protesters were facing walks of nearly an hour. Yadav approached those walking on the road, asked if they were heading to the protest, and offered them a ride.
When passengers tried to pay Yadav for the transport, he politely refused. He explained his decision by stating that the free rides were his "small contribution towards the country and the youth of the country."
Another passenger who rode in Yadav's auto-rickshaw shared online that they had been walking in the heat when Yadav offered them a lift. The passenger attempted to forcefully give Yadav Rs 200 for fuel, but Yadav declined. According to the passenger, Yadav mentioned that he had already helped between 100 and 150 people since that morning.
The gesture gained widespread attention after Aishwarya posted about it on social media. She noted that acts of kindness like Yadav's restore faith in humanity, reminding people that change is driven not just by protesters, but also by those who stand beside them. Social media users praised Yadav's actions, with one commentator calling him a "real-life hero" whose family would be proud of him.
