Delhi Police detained at least 100 people with criminal records across 15 districts in overnight operations ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on October 10, according to sources cited by The Hindu. The preventive action was accompanied by traffic diversions, Metro station closures and other security measures across the national capital.
The detainees were allegedly suspected of joining the protest, which was planned to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid the ongoing Election Commission row. The detentions were carried out as authorities prepared for the gathering, after the Delhi Police denied permission for the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
The police said the organisers had not complied with conditions agreed during an earlier demonstration. Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Nupur Prasad said on October 9 that the request for permission had been submitted at the last minute, whereas rules require applications to be made at least 10 days before a protest.
The CJP disputed the police position, maintaining that it had informed the authorities rather than sought permission. The party argued that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site and that the police should facilitate a peaceful gathering. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the organisation had submitted a letter at Parliament Street police station and received an acknowledgement.
Traffic diversions were scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on October 10 at 30 key points across Delhi. The measures were expected to affect movement around central Delhi as police managed access and security arrangements connected with the proposed protest. The police did not disclose the names of those detained or specify how long they would remain in custody.
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 restrictions included stations in different parts of the city and were expected to disrupt regular commuter movement during the day.
Authorities also announced other measures ahead of the protest, including internet restrictions in parts of Delhi, the closure of markets and the cancellation of dozens of trains bound for the capital. The police and other agencies were expected to continue security and traffic arrangements as the planned demonstration proceeded.
