Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Pune Police Detain Protesters Demanding Election Chief’s Resignation
About 100 people gathered in Pune to protest the way they believe elections are being handled.
They called for the chief election commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, to resign.
Police said the protest had not been approved and asked the crowd to leave.
Police also said the gathering blocked traffic and might delay emergency vehicles.
Officers detained the protesters and took them to a police station.
Some protesters said officers handled them harshly and dragged people away.
The police said they acted under the law and moved the group to a safe place.
The protesters said they still plan to keep asking for answers.
Around 100 Cockroach Janta Party and other group protesters were detained at Goodluck Chowk in Pune on Sunday evening.
The protesters demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral irregularities.
Police said permission for the gathering had been denied and that protesters did not leave when instructed.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Krushikesh Rawale said the protest caused a traffic jam extending about 500 metres and could obstruct emergency vehicles.
Protesters alleged police used excessive force and said they would continue seeking accountability from election authorities.
- Who
- Around 100 protesters associated with the Cockroach Janta Party and other protest groups; Pune Police detained them.
- What
- Protesters demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral irregularities; police detained them.
- When
- Sunday evening; the article does not specify a date.
- Where
- Goodluck Chowk, Pune; detainees were taken to Shivajinagar Police Station.
- Why
- Protesters sought accountability over alleged electoral irregularities. Police said the gathering lacked permission, continued after instructions to leave, and caused traffic congestion.
Protesters’ position
Police position
Reason for the protest and detentions
Protesters’ position
Protesters said they had gathered peacefully to demand accountability and Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, and accused police of excessive or harsh force during detentions.
Police position
DCP Krushikesh Rawale said permission had been rejected, protesters were instructed to leave but stayed, and police acted because the gathering disrupted traffic and could affect emergency vehicles.
Whether the protest will continue
Protesters’ position
Protesters said detentions would not end their demand and that they would continue raising concerns about the electoral process.
Police position
Rawale said the protesters were moved to a safe location in accordance with the law and that further legal proceedings would follow.
- Number detained
- Around 100
- Protest location
- Goodluck Chowk, Pune
- Protest demand
- Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Police explanation
- Permission had been denied; police cited non-compliance and traffic disruption.
- Reported traffic jam
- About 500 metres
- Transport used
- A police source said around seven to nine vans and five cabs were used.
- Destination after detention
- Shivajinagar Police Station