Prominent YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was allegedly detained by Delhi Police from his Gurugram residence on Saturday morning, according to claims made by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The CJP stated that approximately 50 police personnel, reportedly in civilian attire, arrived at Rathee's home around 8 AM.
Rathee was reportedly preparing to participate in a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi. The demonstration was organized against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, who faces allegations of voter-list tampering under the guise of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Kumar is also accused of bypassing his two colleagues to alter Form 6, a crucial document for voter registration.
Security Heightened Across Delhi
In anticipation of the CJP's planned protest, Delhi was transformed into a veritable fortress. Paramilitary companies, including the BSF and Rapid Action Force (RAF), along with city police, were deployed in large numbers. Parliament Street and Ashoka Road, which border Jantar Mantar, witnessed intense police activity, with media vans adding to the congestion.
Security measures included personnel wearing body cameras, buses for transporting forces, and the deployment of Delhi Police's Pink Force for women's safety. Officers were equipped with lathis and protective gear, while announcements about the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were made over loudspeakers.
Widespread Detentions Reported
The Delhi Police confirmed that around 500 individuals, arriving in various groups from different locations, had been detained across the city. Additionally, approximately 50 individuals with prior criminal records were apprehended to prevent any potential disruption. The city was divided into 20 zones, with a detention center established for each, including several of Delhi's stadiums being repurposed for this purpose.
Earlier, police had detained about 150 protesters from Connaught Place to prevent them from reaching Jantar Mantar. Spike strips were also reportedly laid on roads near the Delhi-Badarpur border at Mohan Estate as security was significantly tightened to brace for the planned demonstration.