Delhi Tightens Security Around Jantar Mantar as Protesters Are Detained

Security was tightened across New Delhi on Saturday as authorities moved to prevent a planned protest at Jantar Mantar organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The demonstration was called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in India's voter registration and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Several CJP leaders and supporters were detained before reaching the planned protest site. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters being taken away in police vehicles. However, a complete account of where all those detained were being held was not immediately available.

CJP Leaders Detained After Arriving in Delhi

CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained after arriving in Delhi. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was also reportedly detained at his residence in Gurugram ahead of his planned participation in the demonstration, according to Indian media reports.

Several opposition figures were also reported to have been detained, including CPI(M) MP John Brittas and former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Brittas raised concerns about the treatment of those detained, according to media coverage.

Why Was the Protest Called?

The CJP and its supporters called for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Protesters argue that the revision process has resulted in large numbers of names being removed from voter lists.

The Election Commission, however, has maintained that names excluded during the draft revision process can be checked and corrected. The allegations and the commission's response remain central to the dispute over the voter-list revision.

Police denied permission for the planned demonstration, citing procedural and security concerns, according to media reports. Barricades were installed around Jantar Mantar and nearby areas as authorities sought to prevent protesters from gathering at the site.

Metro Restrictions and Train Cancellations

The security measures also disrupted public transport across the capital. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced entry and exit restrictions at 45 metro stations. Several trains arriving in or departing from Delhi were also cancelled or rescheduled amid preparations for the protest.

Traffic restrictions were introduced on several roads, prompting authorities and media outlets to advise commuters to check the latest transport updates before travelling.

The detentions, transport restrictions and continuing dispute over electoral rolls have heightened political tensions in New Delhi. Further details about the full list of detainees, their current locations and possible legal proceedings remain awaited.