1 hr ago
Delhi Detains CJP Protesters Ahead of Electoral Irregularities Rally
The Cockroach Janta Party planned a protest in Delhi about alleged problems with voter registration.
Police did not allow the rally at Jantar Mantar, saying they were told too late.
Officers detained people who tried to reach the protest and took some to Chhatrasal Stadium.
Several party leaders were also placed in preventive custody.
Police said their preparations aimed to prevent disorder like at an earlier protest.
The preparations included many police officers and closed metro station gates.
More than 250 trains were cancelled, and internet service near Jantar Mantar was suspended for 24 hours.
A political leader who was briefly held said people's civil liberties were being taken away.
Delhi Police detained protesters heading toward Jantar Mantar and took some to Chhatrasal Stadium.
The Cockroach Janta Party had called the rally over alleged irregularities in voter registration and the Special Intensive Revision process.
Police denied permission for the protest, saying organizers informed authorities late.
Party leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were placed in preventive custody after arriving in Delhi.
Authorities deployed more than 20,000 police personnel, shut entry and exit gates at 45 metro stations, and cancelled more than 250 trains.
- Who
- Cockroach Janta Party supporters, party leaders, and some opposition politicians; Delhi Police carried out the detentions.
- What
- Police detained people attempting to join a protest and imposed extensive security and transport restrictions.
- Where
- Delhi, including areas near Jantar Mantar and Chhatrasal Stadium.
- When
- The protest was scheduled for today; internet service restrictions began at 10 pm the previous day.
- Why
- The party was protesting alleged irregularities in voter registration and the Special Intensive Revision process; police cited late notification and sought to prevent disorder.
Criticism of the Police Response
Police Rationale
Restrictions and detentions
Criticism of the Police Response
CPI(M) MP John Brittas said he and others were detained, taken to Chhatrasal Stadium, and then driven around the city; he alleged that basic civil liberties were being taken away.
Police Rationale
Police denied permission for the rally, saying organizers had informed authorities late, and undertook security measures to prevent a repeat of disorder at an earlier protest.
Key facts
- Planned protest site
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- Alternative detention location
- Chhatrasal Stadium
- Police deployment
- More than 20,000 personnel
- Metro stations affected
- Entry and exit gates shut at 45 stations
- Train cancellations
- More than 250 trains
- Internet restrictions
- Suspended within a 4-km radius of Jantar Mantar for 24 hours from 10 pm the previous day
- Police monitoring
- 300 CCTV cameras installed
Quotes
John Brittas
CPI(M) member of parliament who said he and others were being driven around Delhi after being detained.
“We are being taken in a police jeep round and round in the city. We were taken to Chhatrasal stadium and we are in a police jeep after 30-40 minutes. We don't know where we are going. This is the situation.”
NDTV
“Delhi has been taken over by Delhi Police, and basic civil liberties are being taken away.”
NDTV
Sources
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