Delhi woke up to a very different city on Saturday. Police and central forces tightened security ahead of the CJP protest, with the BBC describing parts of Delhi as a fortress and tens of thousands of security personnel deployed.
DON'T MISS
All roads leading to Jantar Mantar were closed with huge metal barricades. At least 45 metro stations faced entry and exit restrictions, mobile internet was suspended in and around the protest area, and surveillance was stepped up at borders, railway stations and bus terminals. Several trains headed to Delhi were also cancelled. For commuters and visitors, it meant a long and frustrating day.
Rathee Detained at Home
Ahead CJP Protest, Dhruv Rathee was detained early on Saturday, with Delhi Police getting help from Gurugram Police, from his residence in Sector 56, Gurugram. The CJP said so in a post on X, while content creator Kavya Karnatac was seen being dragged into a bus near Dhaula Kuan. Earlier reports spoke of around 150 detentions. By the morning, police said at least 500 people had been picked up, and they were expecting more than 7,000 protesters in the capital.
Why Permission Was Denied
Police refused permission for the Jantar Mantar gathering, saying the application arrived on October 7 while rules require it at least 10 days in advance. They also cited rule violations during an earlier demonstration. The protest is directed against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Opposition Hits Back
AAP leader Gopal Rai called it a “Black Emergency” and said metro stations were shut and trains cancelled only to protect one person. He added that no amount of force would suppress the movement. The curbs have also reached the courts. A contempt plea has been filed in the Supreme Court, with the petitioner arguing that closing 45 metro stations goes against an earlier order of the apex court.
