Delhi faced extensive transport and security restrictions on October 10 as the Cockroach Janta Party’s planned protest at Jantar Mantar led to the deployment of around 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel, restrictions at about 45 metro stations, train cancellations and traffic diversions across central areas.
The CJP has called the demonstration to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Delhi Police denied permission for the protest, citing security concerns, inadequate notice and alleged violations of conditions during earlier demonstrations. The application was submitted on October 7, three days before the planned event, while police said the prescribed notice period was 10 days.
CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das said they intended to proceed despite the restrictions. Dipke travelled from Mumbai to Delhi on Saturday to lead the demonstration and was expected to arrive at around 10 am, according to a CJP functionary quoted in the report.
Police announcements warning people against joining an unlawful gathering were made near Parliament Street Police Station and in other parts of Delhi. Authorities also issued public advisories, contacted residents through community channels and local mosques, and urged people to avoid the proposed gathering. Security checks were intensified at railway stations, bus terminals, border points, hotels and guest houses, while officials monitored possible mobilisation from outside the capital.
At least 1,200 people were detained overnight in Delhi ahead of the protest, according to the report. Around 250 were detained in the South East district, including Shaheen Bagh, while more than 100 were detained in Shahdara and East Delhi. Police also detained at least 100 people near the inner circle of Connaught Place on Saturday morning, saying many had spent the night there in small groups.
CJP alleged that supporters travelling from Pune, West Bengal, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh had been intercepted or detained. The party also alleged that its spokesperson Deepak Baliyan and his brother were assaulted in Rajasthan. These allegations had not been independently verified in the supplied report. The party demanded the release of those allegedly detained and safe passage for supporters travelling to Delhi.
The restrictions extended to public transport. Entry and exit controls were imposed at several Delhi Metro stations from Friday, affecting around 45 stations. More than 250 trains connected to New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations were cancelled until 2 pm on Saturday. The report also noted that the Supreme Court had directed the Centre to ensure that transport restrictions did not amount to a complete shutdown or cause undue problems for commuters.
Traffic restrictions began at 6 am around Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Mandi House, Patel Chowk and other parts of central Delhi. Affected roads included Ashoka Road, Jantar Mantar Road, Tolstoy Marg, Janpath and Sansad Marg. Delhi Traffic Police advised people travelling through New Delhi and central Delhi towards railway stations, inter-state bus terminals or the airport to allow extra time and avoid non-essential travel.
The New Delhi Traders Association advised shops, offices, restaurants and other establishments in Connaught Place to remain closed on October 10 as a precaution. Traffic measures were to be revised according to conditions on the ground, with authorities stating that restrictions could be eased or tightened after assessing the situation. Gautam Buddh Nagar also imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita from October 10 to October 20, 2026.
