Delhi authorities imposed extensive security and communication restrictions on Saturday as members of the ‘Cockroach’ group planned a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The measures reportedly included restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, a 24-hour internet shutdown in parts of central Delhi, drone surveillance and the deployment of at least 26,000 police and paramilitary personnel.
The protest was not granted permission, according to the report, but organisers proceeded with the programme. Police warned that anyone violating the restrictions could face legal action. The security measures were described as intended to prevent violence during the demonstration.
Internet services were reportedly suspended within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing. The shutdown was scheduled to continue until 10 pm on October 10. The affected area includes some of central Delhi’s most prominent administrative and public institutions, making the decision significant for residents, commuters, businesses and visitors in the zone.
The report said police and security forces were deployed across the city, while drones were being used for surveillance. Several leaders associated with the group, including Abhijit Deep, Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were reportedly detained on aircraft before reaching Jantar Mantar. The detentions were described as preventive action.
The developments followed comments by West Bengal BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya in Kolkata. Speaking after offering prayers at Bagbazar Ghat, Bhattacharya alleged that anti-national forces were operating behind masks and said the protest reflected frustration. He also said that every person in a democratic country had the right to protest, while accusing unnamed forces of attempting to become politically relevant.
Bhattacharya further criticised the opposition alliance’s proposed meeting with the President, calling it an unsuccessful attempt by politically weakened parties. He also questioned the absence of senior Trinamool Congress leaders and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee from Kolkata during the beginning of the festive period.
The immediate dispute, however, centres on the protest at Jantar Mantar and the authorities’ response. The restrictions place movement control, communications access and preventive policing at the centre of the city’s handling of a politically sensitive demonstration. The report did not provide details of the organisers’ formal demands beyond the call for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation.
The security arrangements and restrictions were scheduled to remain in force through Saturday, with police warning of legal action for violations. The protest’s conduct and any further police response remained the next developments to be monitored.
