Delhi Police detain over 3,000 protesters marching toward Jantar Mantar

Delhi Police detained more than 3,000 protesters on Saturday as they attempted to reach Jantar Mantar for a proposed demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protest was called against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and changes relating to Form 6.

Protesters were intercepted and detained at various locations across the New Delhi area and other districts, including near Regal Cinema, Minto Bridge, and Akashwani Bhawan. Police used drones to monitor crowd movements, while personnel were deployed at strategic locations, sensitive points, and along routes leading to Jantar Mantar.

As part of preventive measures ahead of the demonstration, police also detained more than 600 individuals with criminal records across all districts of the national capital to prevent potential law-and-order disruptions. Authorities maintained surveillance outside the residences of individuals suspected of mobilising crowds or influencing participation.

Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Devesh Srivastava said elaborate security arrangements were put in place, including pickets set up in coordination with neighbouring police forces at areas bordering other states. Senior officers were deployed, and community policing teams such as the Aman Committee assisted operations.

“The situation is under control. People who are going to Jantar Mantar are being detained as we had already said that no permission for such protest is granted,” Srivastava said, adding that police had appealed to citizens to comply with prohibitory orders currently in force in the New Delhi area and refrain from participating in unauthorised gatherings.