Delhi protests in Connaught Place and near Mandi House led to the detention of around 150 people on Friday as Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces deployed more than 6,000 personnel across the capital. The demonstrations were organised by different groups over the detention of Cockroach Janta Party leaders and concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The day began with police visiting CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke’s residence in Jhandewalan. More than 20 personnel served him a notice directing him to refrain from any action that could prejudice the rights of citizens, traders, commuters, patients and others. Dipke had called for people to gather at Central Park in Connaught Place at 5pm with the national flag.
Police later detained Dipke preventively while he was travelling to Connaught Place and took him to Jafarpur Kalan police station, according to police sources. An officer cited preventive measures and restrictions imposed under Section 163 in Connaught Place, news agency ANI reported. Police also served Dipke a separate notice relating to an earlier undertaking to maintain public peace.
Security was tightened around Central Park before the planned march. Police formed a human chain along the park’s metal railings and deployed Rapid Action Force personnel inside. A tear gas vehicle and a Vajra vehicle were stationed outside, while personnel were positioned along Connaught Place’s inner and outer circles to regulate traffic.
Authorities cited the absence of official permission, restrictions on public gatherings at Central Park and prohibitory orders in force in the area. The New Delhi Municipal Council had also announced that Central Park would remain closed on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons.
Despite the restrictions, protesters reached Connaught Place carrying the Tricolour and raising slogans. Police began detaining demonstrators, saying that those attempting to disrupt law and order would be taken into custody. By the evening, around 150 people had been detained, police said. A senior officer said the situation remained peaceful and that the priority was to maintain law and order and ensure smooth traffic movement.
The detentions resulted in jostling among protesters, camera crews and security personnel. Police allowed marches by different groups raising various slogans while continuing to remove demonstrators from restricted areas.
A parallel demonstration took shape near Mandi House, where members of the All India Students’ Association and Left organisations gathered to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. AISA chief Neha Bora was preventively detained while travelling to join the protest. Demonstrators raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission of India.
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar reviewed the security arrangements at the New Delhi district office at Parliament Street police station. He also visited South Campus and Satya Niketan with senior officers to review law and order and student safety. The team interacted with students, including women living in paying guest accommodation and hostels, and directed local police to strengthen patrolling and visible security measures.
The demonstrations followed the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue. Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground have been identified as alternative locations for demonstrations, subject to permission.
