Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Delhi Detains Thousands as Protest Crackdown Spreads Across Capital
Thousands of people were detained in Delhi during a large protest on Saturday.
Police and security teams blocked access to Jantar Mantar, a place where demonstrations are held.
People still protested in different parts of the city.
Some of those detained were politicians, activists, journalists and a popular YouTuber.
The Delhi Metro kept entrances and exits closed at 45 stations until 10 pm.
Opposition leaders said the government was restricting democracy.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta defended the response and said the city would not be held hostage.
The Supreme Court was scheduled to hear a petition about whether authorities had disobeyed its directions on transport services.
An estimated 6,000 people were detained across Delhi on Saturday, including four former chief ministers.
More than 30,000 security personnel and barricades kept Jantar Mantar largely inaccessible as protests broke out elsewhere.
Detained protesters included political leaders, activists, journalists and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee; several were later reported released.
The Delhi Metro extended entry and exit closures at 45 stations until 10 pm; a separate petition cited an earlier closure of 57 stations.
Opposition figures condemned the police action, while Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the city would not be held hostage.
- Who
- An estimated 6,000 people were detained, including four former chief ministers, activists, journalists and other protesters.
- What
- Police carried out a major crackdown as protests took place across Delhi.
- When
- Saturday; the Supreme Court hearing was scheduled for Sunday.
- Where
- Delhi, including areas around Jantar Mantar and the residences of political leaders.
- Why
- Protesters raised slogans against the government and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Critics of the crackdown
Delhi government response
Police action and democracy
Critics of the crackdown
Opposition leaders described the detentions as a ruthless crackdown on democracy and said the protest would continue.
Delhi government response
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Delhi would not be held hostage and opposed what she called the spread of anarchy under the guise of democracy.
Transport restrictions
Critics of the crackdown
A petition asked the Supreme Court to consider contempt proceedings, alleging authorities violated directions against a complete prohibition on metro and train services.
Delhi government response
Authorities extended entry and exit closures at 45 metro stations until 10 pm; the article does not report their response to the contempt allegation.
- People detained
- An estimated 6,000
- Security deployment
- More than 30,000 personnel
- Metro stations affected
- Entry and exit gates at 45 stations remained closed until 10 pm
- Former chief ministers detained
- Four
- Supreme Court hearing
- A petition seeking contempt proceedings was listed for Sunday
- Petition's transport claim
- It cited the closure of 57 metro stations and cancellation of trains to Delhi