New Delhi: Delhi Police detained around 30 to 40 people with criminal records across the national capital’s 15 districts as security measures intensified ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar on Saturday.
According to police sources cited in media reports, the detentions were carried out as a preventive measure to maintain law and order and prevent potential disruptions during the demonstration. Authorities have also intensified surveillance of individuals suspected of mobilising crowds or encouraging participation in the proposed protest.
Police personnel are keeping a close watch on the movements of certain individuals, with surveillance reportedly increased outside their residences. The action comes amid an extensive security operation aimed at preventing protesters from entering restricted areas of central Delhi.
The CJP’s proposed demonstration, dubbed “Jantar Mantar 2.0”, is intended to press for Kumar’s resignation over allegations concerning the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls. The allegations have been raised by the party and other critics; they are not established findings of wrongdoing.
Delhi Police has denied permission for the October 10 gathering, citing public safety, traffic management and law and order concerns. The restrictions have prompted criticism from political groups and activists who argue that peaceful demonstrations should be allowed.
In a separate incident ahead of the protest, police detained a man on October 8 for allegedly distributing posters encouraging people to assemble at Jantar Mantar. The planned demonstration is being organised by CJP in collaboration with the All India Students Association (AISA).
The preventive detentions form part of a wider security plan covering sensitive areas of the capital. Police have established multiple checkpoints and barricades, while additional personnel have been deployed to monitor movement and respond to potential gatherings.
Authorities have also announced restrictions affecting public transport and mobile internet services around central Delhi. Entry and exit gates at 45 metro stations have been ordered closed for a specified period, while mobile internet services have been suspended within a four kilometre radius of the Janpath Kartavya Path crossing for 24 hours.
The protest has been scheduled for October 10 despite the denial of police permission. CJP leaders have called on supporters to travel to Delhi, maintaining pressure on the Election Commission over their demands.
With security arrangements tightened and preventive action underway, the police operation has placed the proposed demonstration under close scrutiny even before the gathering begins.
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