New Delhi: Security restrictions were tightened across the national capital on Saturday ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) proposed protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The CJP claimed that its leaders Abhijit Deepke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained by Delhi Police after their flight from Mumbai landed in the capital. The party shared a video on its X account purportedly showing police personnel escorting Deepke off the aircraft.
In a statement, the party condemned the alleged detentions, claiming they were part of a pre-planned move to prevent its leaders from reaching the protest venue. It described the action as a violation of freedom of movement and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
Separately, police sources said YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was detained from his residence in Sector 56, Gurugram, ahead of the proposed demonstration. Delhi Police also detained around 150 protesters who were attempting to reach Jantar Mantar, according to reports.
A heavy police deployment was visible across the capital, with personnel monitoring barricades and keeping a close watch on vehicle movement.
The heightened security comes amid restrictions affecting traffic, metro services, train operations and mobile internet in parts of Delhi ahead of the planned protest.
Delhi Traffic Police warned of possible disruptions around Connaught Place, Mandi House, Jantar Mantar, Patel Chowk and other major intersections in central Delhi. Diversions began at 6am and were to be adjusted according to the prevailing law-and-order situation.
The CJP’s allegations regarding the detentions have not been independently verified.
