Delhi Police have detained at least 100 people with criminal records across 15 districts ahead of a planned Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, while security measures have closed entry and exit gates at 57 Metro stations and imposed traffic diversions across the capital.
The detentions were carried out during overnight preventive operations, according to sources cited by The Hindu. The people detained were allegedly suspected of joining the protest, which is expected to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid an ongoing Election Commission row.
The police had earlier denied permission for the proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar. Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Nupur Prasad said on October 9 that the organisers had sought permission at the last minute, whereas rules required applications to be made at least 10 days before a protest.
The Cockroach Janta Party has disputed that position, maintaining that it was informing the police rather than seeking permission. The organisers argued that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site and that the police should facilitate a peaceful gathering. According to the organisers, a letter was submitted at Parliament Street police station by Mr. Das and an acknowledgement was received.
The security arrangements have extended beyond the protest site. Traffic diversions were scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on October 10 at 30 key points across Delhi, according to the police. Commuters were also affected by the closure of Metro station gates and other measures announced ahead of the gathering.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said 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. Train services and station operations were therefore subject to restrictions even as the Metro network remained a critical mode of travel for residents moving across the national capital.
Authorities have also imposed internet restrictions in parts of Delhi, shut markets and cancelled dozens of trains bound for the capital, The Hindu reported. These measures have widened the effect of the protest response from policing at Jantar Mantar to public transport, retail activity, communications and inter-city rail movement.
The episode places Delhi’s designated protest infrastructure alongside the city’s wider security and mobility systems. The immediate operational question for residents is how long the traffic, Metro and other restrictions will continue. The police and transport authorities had not indicated an end time for all the measures, while the DMRC said the station-gate closures would remain in force until further notice.
