New Delhi: Delhi witnessed an extensive security crackdown on Saturday as police installed spike strips, erected multiple barricades and detained hundreds of people ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. The demonstration sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions.
Police installed spike strips near Mohan Cooperative Estate in southeast Delhi to prevent vehicles from entering restricted areas. Security personnel were deployed at key junctions, along the capital’s borders and near locations considered sensitive ahead of the demonstration. According to report, more than 500 protesters had been detained across the city by Saturday morning.
Among those detained were CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who arrived in Delhi from Mumbai. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was also reported detained in connection with the security operation. The detentions prevented key figures associated with the planned demonstration from reaching the protest venue.
The heightened security measures extended beyond street level restrictions. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation closed entry and exit at 45 metro stations as a preventive measure, while more than 250 trains, including local services and trains arriving from other states, were cancelled during the period between 4 am and 2 pm. These disruptions affected commuters travelling through the capital.
More than 20,000 police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel were deployed to maintain law and order. Authorities also strengthened surveillance, with CCTV cameras and additional security arrangements introduced at sensitive locations. Traffic restrictions and diversions were implemented across several parts of the city.
The protest was organised over concerns surrounding the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged irregularities involving Form 6, which is used for voter registration. CJP demanded Kumar’s resignation, arguing that the revision process raised questions about the integrity of electoral rolls.
The Election Commission’s position, as reported by Reuters, is that names were removed from draft electoral rolls for reasons including relocation, inability to trace voters and deaths. It has maintained that corrections can be sought through the prescribed process.
Delhi Police had denied permission for the proposed gathering, citing security concerns and procedural requirements, including the advance notice requirement. The party criticised the detentions, alleging that authorities were deliberately preventing its members from exercising their right to protest.
The developments have renewed debate over the balance between public order and democratic freedoms. With restrictions affecting transport, public movement and political mobilisation, Saturday’s events placed the handling of peaceful dissent firmly in the national spotlight.
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