NEW DELHI – Delhi Police announced late on October 10 that the majority of protesters detained across the national capital during a large-scale demonstration have been released. More than 2,000 people were taken into custody earlier in the day as authorities moved to prevent a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
CJP Leaders Still in Custody
While most detainees were freed, CJP's key figures, including founder Abhijeet Dipke and other co-convenors, remain in police custody. These leaders are expected to face further legal proceedings, according to sources from the Delhi Police.
The CJP-led protest was organized to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Election Commission has defended its verification exercise, while the ruling BJP has dismissed claims that the process was designed to benefit the party.
Mass Detentions Across India
The day saw unprecedented scenes, particularly at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, where Abhijeet Dipke and his co-convenors were detained inside their plane shortly after landing from Mumbai. With its senior leadership in custody, CJP's organizational in-charge, Ajinkya Shinde, vowed to continue the agitation, calling for supporters to gather at Jantar Mantar on October 11.
Prominent figures from across the political spectrum and civil society were also detained. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was apprehended at his Gurugram residence while reportedly preparing to join the demonstration. Opposition leaders, including AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, were detained while attempting to reach protest sites. Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, and activist Yogendra Yadav were also among those taken into custody.
International Concern and Releases
UN Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan expressed concern over reports of mass detentions in Delhi, urging Indian authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and ensure any restrictions meet strict necessity and proportionality tests.
Later in the evening, several high-profile detainees were released. Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee were among those freed, as were activist Neha Bora and other women protesters. Lawyers detained near the Supreme Court were also released following intervention by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. However, a comprehensive list of all released individuals, especially those detained outside Delhi, including actor Imran Khan in Mumbai, was not immediately available.
The CJP has condemned the detentions and maintains its demand for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation, promising to continue its movement until their demands are met.