Mass Detentions in Delhi as Protesters Demand Election Chief's Resignation

Protest Escalates in New Delhi

In New Delhi, over 100 individuals were taken into custody on Sunday as they protested and marched towards Jantar Mantar, with many being forcibly placed into police vehicles. This demonstration, organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), marked its second day amidst heightened security throughout the city.

Participants from various student groups, including the Students' Federation of India (SFI), All India Students' Association (AISA), and Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), joined CJP supporters in their march towards Jantar Mantar from different areas of the capital.

Reports indicate that CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas was among those apprehended, according to police sources.

Footage captured protesters rallying through Connaught Place's Inner Circle and near Rajiv Chowk, chanting for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The crowd could be heard shouting, "Gyanesh Kumar isteefa do, isteefa do."

Law enforcement officials were seen approaching the demonstrators in an effort to disperse the crowd. Many protesters resisted as police officers grabbed them and escorted them towards waiting buses. Some individuals were visibly dragged along the ground while others continued to chant slogans during their arrest.

Protesters attempting to march from RK Ashram Marg metro station were also detained, as police maintained a significant presence at various locations to obstruct their path to Jantar Mantar.

According to police sources, over 40 individuals were detained near RK Ashram Marg, with estimates suggesting that the total number of detainees across the city could reach around 100 by the afternoon.

The SFI claimed that hundreds of its members had been detained and taken to Surajmal Stadium in Nangloi.

In an official statement, the organization reported that its All India President Adarsh M Saji, Delhi State Secretary Sooraj Elamon, Central Executive Committee member Abhijith Manilal, and several others were among those arrested during the protest.

The SFI further alleged that its leaders faced assault inside police vans resembling cages. They also claimed that Brittas was attacked by police and later abandoned by the roadside in an injured state.

Additionally, the organization reported that Father Biju Xavier, a vicar from Sacred Heart Church in Delhi, was "arrested" while filming what he believed to be police brutality.

AISA president Neha Bora, who had previously organized a demonstration at RK Ashram Marg at 2:30 PM, was detained along with fellow protesters near Vijay Chowk.

Footage showed Bora chanting slogans alongside other members as security forces approached. She and her fellow demonstrators were seen fleeing as police attempted to apprehend them.

The CJP reported that several of its protesters were detained near Connaught Place metro station and Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.

Videos shared by the organization depicted protesters trying to form human chains as police moved in to arrest them. The CJP also claimed that doctors and other peaceful demonstrators near Gurdwara Bangla Sahib were taken into custody.

In a separate incident, videos circulating on social media depicted KYS members protesting on boats near Nigambodh Ghat, holding signs and chanting for the chief election commissioner's resignation. Members of the group were also seen demonstrating near Connaught Place.

These detentions occurred amid extensive security measures across the capital, with police deployed at numerous locations to prevent protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar.

The CJP had scheduled another demonstration at the protest site for 10 AM on Sunday after police had previously blocked their supporters from gathering there on Saturday.

More than 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel were stationed throughout Delhi as part of the security measures.

On Saturday, CJP leaders, including Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, were detained during a significant security crackdown, with over 7,000 protesters arrested at various locations as police prevented them from reaching Jantar Mantar.

Numerous opposition leaders, including former chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan, and Manik Sarkar, were also detained while attempting to join the protest.

The CJP and various opposition parties have been calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to alleged irregularities in the Election Commission's operations and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.