Delhi Police detained at least 100 people with criminal records across 15 districts during overnight operations ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, while security measures shut entry and exit gates at 57 Delhi Metro stations and imposed traffic diversions across the capital.
The detainees were allegedly suspected of joining the protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), The Hindu reported, citing police sources. The demonstration is seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid an ongoing Election Commission row.
The Delhi Police had denied permission for the proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar, citing alleged non-compliance with conditions agreed during an earlier demonstration. Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Nupur Prasad said on October 9 that the request had been submitted at the last minute, whereas rules required applications to be made at least 10 days before a protest.
The CJP has disputed that position. Its spokesperson, Saurav Das, said the party was informing the police rather than seeking permission, arguing that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site where the police should facilitate a peaceful gathering. Das submitted a letter at the Parliament Street police station and received an acknowledgement, according to the organisers.
As part of the security arrangements, traffic diversions were scheduled from 6 a.m. on October 10 at 30 key points across Delhi. The measures are expected to affect movement around central Delhi and other areas connected to the protest route and venue.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced that entry and exit gates at 57 stations would remain closed from 9 p.m. on October 9 and throughout October 10 until further notice, citing security reasons. The affected stations include Jahangir Puri Metro station, according to the report. The announcement does not indicate that train services across the network have been suspended, but commuters may be unable to enter or exit at the specified stations.
Authorities have also taken other measures ahead of the demonstration, including internet restrictions in parts of Delhi, the closure of markets and the cancellation of dozens of trains bound for the capital, according to The Hindu. The report did not provide a complete list of the affected markets, stations, trains or areas covered by the internet curbs.
The overnight detentions, restrictions on access to public transport and traffic controls place the protest within a wider citywide security operation rather than limiting its effects to Jantar Mantar. Residents travelling through central Delhi, using affected Metro stations or arriving by train were advised, through the authorities’ measures, to account for disruptions while the arrangements remained in force.
The Delhi Police’s traffic diversions and the DMRC’s station closures were scheduled to continue on October 10 until further instructions from the authorities. The duration of the detentions, the number of people eventually permitted to gather and any changes to Metro or traffic restrictions were not specified in the report.
