Delhi Under Tight Security as CJP Leaders Detained Ahead of Jantar Mantar Protest

Internet restrictions, Metro access curbs and heavy police deployment mark demonstrations demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.

New Delhi, October 10, 2026: Delhi witnessed heightened security on Saturday as police moved to prevent a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and allied student organisations. The groups are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions. Police denied permission for the gathering, citing prohibitory orders and rule violations.

Authorities introduced extensive security arrangements across central Delhi. According to The Indian Express, approximately 23,000 central security personnel were made available to Delhi Police for October 8–12. This figure represents additional forces available to the police, rather than a confirmed total deployed on the streets.

Mobile internet services were suspended within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path intersection from 10 p.m. on Friday until 10 p.m. on Saturday. Restrictions on access to several Metro stations, barricades and traffic diversions also affected movement around the planned protest area. Police said their arrangements were intended to prevent unauthorised gatherings and maintain public order.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and senior leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained after their flight from Mumbai landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Police also detained protesters attempting to reach the demonstration. ThePrint reported that some demonstrators subsequently headed towards Dilli Haat as restrictions prevented access to Jantar Mantar.

The police action drew concern from the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), which sought immediate intervention from Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over the reported detention of young lawyers and allegations of excessive force. The association’s appeal raised concerns about the treatment of advocates during the demonstrations.

Related demonstrations were also reported in Chandigarh, where Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia was reportedly detained during a protest against the Chief Election Commissioner.

Opposition leaders criticised the restrictions and detentions, describing them as an attack on democratic freedoms. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal accused the government of suppressing dissent, while other opposition figures demanded the release of those detained.

The protests centre on allegations that electoral roll revisions have favoured the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Both the BJP and the Election Commission have denied wrongdoing.