A protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar on October 10 led to extensive security restrictions across central Delhi, including metro station closures, train cancellations, traffic diversions, internet disruptions and the detention of protesters and political leaders, according to The Hindu’s live updates.
Delhi Police had denied permission for the proposed demonstration, citing late submission of the application and alleged non-compliance with conditions agreed during an earlier protest. Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Nupur Prasad said the request had been made at the last minute, although rules required applications at least 10 days before a protest. Police said no unauthorised gathering would be allowed and that people arriving to participate could be detained and moved to designated detention centres.
The restrictions affected several of the capital’s main transport corridors. Traffic diversions were imposed from 6 a.m. at around 30 locations, including roads near Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Minto Road, Lodhi Road and major entry points into central Delhi. Police also checked vehicles at Delhi’s borders, while commuters at some barricades were asked to show identity cards or proof of employment before being allowed to proceed.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation shut 45 stations in view of the protest, while more than 250 trains connecting New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations were cancelled, according to the report. Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at the two stations between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m. were also cancelled. The disruptions affected passengers travelling from Jammu, Katra and other parts of the country, as well as porters and transport workers whose daily earnings depend on railway footfall.
The impact extended beyond the protest zone. Workers travelling from south and southeast Delhi reported being stopped at multiple checkpoints. A hotel employee travelling from Chhattarpur told The Hindu that he was questioned three times and reached work several hours before his shift because of anticipated blockades. Another commuter said she was asked to show a joining letter because she had not yet received an employee identity card.
The report also documented difficulties for residents dependent on digital services. Commuters using UPI payments, ride-booking applications and online navigation reported being stranded during the internet disruption. Delhi Police deployed body cameras among personnel assigned to the protest area, with an officer saying the recordings were intended to document interactions and address allegations of manhandling.
Police expected around 7,000 protesters to arrive in Delhi and directed personnel to exercise maximum restraint, according to an official cited by The Hindu. At least 100 people with criminal records were detained during overnight operations across 15 districts, sources told the newspaper. Several CJP leaders, including founder Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were detained after their flight landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, according to the organisation and people accompanying them.
The restrictions also affected commercial activity. The New Delhi Traders Association said Connaught Place would remain closed because of concerns over public safety and possible property damage. The traders’ body said the closure would cause substantial losses to businesses in the commercial district.
A Supreme Court advocate filed a contempt petition on October 9 over what was described as a blanket shutdown of transit corridors, citing an earlier court direction to avoid hardship to citizens. The report did not state whether the petition had been listed or decided. Delhi Police said the restrictions and diversions would depend on the prevailing law-and-order situation, while the protest organisers continued to call on supporters to reach Jantar Mantar despite the denial of permission.
