Delhi protest violence broke out near Akashvani Bhawan during a demonstration by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyan Kumar, after protesters allegedly breached barricades and threw stones at security personnel. Two police personnel were injured and around 500 protesters were detained from different locations, according to officials cited in the report.
The incident took place on Saturday near Imtiaz Ali Marg, where a group of approximately 25 to 30 protesters crossed barricades during the demonstration. Officials said the protesters allegedly pelted security personnel with stones before some of them were detained.
The reported violence occurred as police attempted to prevent demonstrators from reaching Jantar Mantar. Protesters had gathered at multiple points in central Delhi rather than assembling at a single location. Police and security personnel pursued groups in different areas and detained people accused of attempting to move towards the protest site despite restrictions.
According to the report, detentions were carried out near several locations, including the area around Regal Cinema in Connaught Place and near Shivaji Stadium Metro station. Some protesters reportedly managed to reach the area around the metro station and raised slogans before police action dispersed the gathering.
The movement of protesters across central Delhi required security deployment beyond the immediate protest location. Security forces conducted a flag march as police worked to disperse groups and maintain control around roads and public areas near Akashvani Bhawan, Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar.
The report also said that some protesters entered a nearby gurdwara while attempting to avoid detention. It described several demonstrators as wearing helmets resembling cockroach antennae, an apparent reference to the party’s identity and protest symbolism.
The detentions included CJP leaders, although the report did not specify the names of those held, the legal provisions applied or whether formal cases had been registered. It also did not provide details about the medical condition of the two injured police personnel.
The reported events highlight the operational challenges of managing demonstrations in central Delhi, where protest routes, security barricades, metro access and traffic movement overlap in a tightly connected public zone. Jantar Mantar is a designated site for demonstrations, but attempts to reach it from unauthorised locations can trigger police action and affect movement through surrounding roads and commercial districts.
The report did not state how long the restrictions or security deployment would continue, nor did it provide a response from the CJP regarding the allegations of barricade breaches and stone-pelting. Delhi Police’s further action, including any cases filed and the status of those detained, remains the next official development to be established.
