New Delhi, October 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
More than 3,000 people were detained across Delhi on Saturday as authorities imposed sweeping security measures to prevent an unauthorised protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The heavy deployment of security personnel and restrictions across the capital disrupted the planned demonstration, forcing protesters to gather in smaller groups at different locations.
CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained by police around 10.30 a.m. at Indira Gandhi International Airport while travelling to Jantar Mantar to participate in the protest.
CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde said the protesters would march towards Jantar Mantar again on Sunday and would continue their agitation until Kumar resigned.
Authorities had denied permission for the demonstration and warned against unauthorised gatherings. Internet restrictions, roadblocks and traffic diversions were introduced amid concerns about a repeat of the CJP’s July protest at Jantar Mantar, which had turned violent.
According to police, detained protesters were taken to different locations, including Chhatrasal Stadium and several police stations. Most were released later in the evening.
Dhruv Rathee Detained; Clashes Reported
Social media influencer Dhruv Rathee was also detained at his residence in Gurugram. In a post on its X account, the CJP claimed that around 50 police personnel in plain clothes arrived at Rathee’s residence at approximately 8 a.m. and took him into custody.
Minor clashes were reported at some locations. Stones were thrown at a bus carrying detained individuals in the Jhandewalan area of New Delhi. Police also said some protesters clashed with personnel near Akashwani Bhavan after breaking through barricades.
More than 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the national capital. Authorities closed 45 Metro stations around Jantar Mantar, imposed internet restrictions in central Delhi and erected barricades at key locations. Traffic restrictions came into force on dozens of central Delhi road stretches from 6 a.m.
Schools, colleges and courts were also required to shift to online operations for the day, according to the report. Drone surveillance was conducted at key locations, while several Metro stations, including Supreme Court and Mandi House, were closed as part of the security arrangements. Vehicles were checked at Delhi’s borders, and police personnel wearing body cameras monitored demonstrators.
Supreme Court May Hold Special Hearing
The Supreme Court was likely to hold a special sitting on Sunday to hear a contempt petition alleging that the blanket closure of Delhi Metro stations and train services to prevent the gathering amounted to a violation of the court’s order.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana were expected to hear the matter, according to lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who represents the petitioner.
Rekha Gupta Accuses Opposition of Disrupting Peace
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and the CJP, accusing them of disrupting peace and security in the capital for political gains.
“Let it be known: Delhi will not be held hostage,” she said, adding that the government would not allow anyone to spread anarchy in the national capital.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, meanwhile, condemned the detention of young men and women seeking to exercise their right to protest. She said the security restrictions imposed for the CJP’s agitation over SIR showed that the government was “terrified” that its “illegitimacy” was being exposed.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticised the detentions in a post on X, saying that students, lawyers, journalists, social activists, farm union leaders, YouTubers and content creators questioning the BJP-led government were being taken into custody.
“Modi Govt has turned the ‘Mother of Democracy’ into a ‘Muzzled Democracy’,” Kharge said.
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said the national capital had been turned into a fortress, with armed security personnel deployed across the city. He alleged that the Prime Minister and Home Minister were unsettled by peaceful protests over what he described as a systematic attempt to undermine the right to vote guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution.
Mamata Banerjee, Kejriwal Detained
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was detained along with several MPs of the All India Trinamool Congress (Mamata faction) from South Avenue in central Delhi.
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, whose residence had been surrounded by Delhi Police since morning, was also detained when he attempted to leave to join the protest.
Kejriwal accused the government of trying to suppress the issue of alleged “vote chori” and prevent public scrutiny.
“They want to suppress this issue of ‘vote chori’ and continue doing it. But the people of this country will not allow this to happen,” he said.
The protest centred on demands for Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls, while the extensive security measures and detentions triggered a wider political confrontation between the BJP-led government and opposition parties.
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