India’s CJP leaders detained at barricaded Delhi protest site
CJP says about 20 people, including three leaders, were detained at Jantar Mantar. The protest concerns disputed voter-list revisions.
Leaders of India’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) were detained in New Delhi on October 13 after entering the barricaded Jantar Mantar protest site, Reuters reported.
CJP said Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and Ajinkya Shinde were among about 20 people detained. That figure is the movement’s account.
The protesters demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over voter-list revisions. Critics allege the changes favour Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. The Election Commission denies favouring any party and says wrongly deleted voters can re-enrol, according to Reuters.
Delhi Police announced on October 12 that Jantar Mantar was no longer a designated protest venue and identified three alternative locations, CNA reported.
CNA described video posted by CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke showing protesters climbing barriers, entering the site and waving India’s flag before police detained them. The group described its action as an attempt to reclaim the protest venue.
Jantar Mantar has hosted demonstrations for decades. Its removal from the designated list preceded Tuesday’s action, while barricades and a substantial police presence restricted access, according to CNA.
Reuters said Delhi Police did not respond to its request for comment.
This story was drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed below and reviewed by a human editor before publication.
