Delhi Police Detain Over 700 at Jantar Mantar Protest Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Delhi Police detained more than 700 protesters, including Aam Aadmi Party leaders and members of several student outfits, during a demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Friday. Political parties and activists gathered to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the mass deletion of voters.
Among those detained were AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, and Atishi, alongside members of the All India Students' Association, Students' Federation of India, and National Students' Union of India. While an official initially placed the count of detainees at approximately 150, a police official later confirmed that around 700 protesters were detained from and around Jantar Mantar. A police source stated that about 700 people from the SFI attempted to reach the site but were stopped and detained at the Ashoka Road roundabout, while protesters were also seen crossing barricades at Firoz Shah Road.
NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar was taken into custody during a foot march from the organisation's office towards Jantar Mantar. In a post on X, Jakhar alleged that several activists from the outfit were subjected to police action during the march, adding that the organisation's peaceful struggle for democracy would continue.
SFI general secretary Aishe Ghosh confirmed that several SFI and Democratic Youth Federation of India activists were detained, stating that the police action would not halt the agitation. AISA members alleged that police used force against protesters, including women, during the detentions, with an activist asserting that demands for Kumar's resignation would persist.
In a video message, Bharadwaj said police informed them that permission had not been granted for the gathering, though the party had submitted letters seeking permission about a week earlier. Questioning why permission was required at a designated demonstration site, Bharadwaj stated on X that he and Jha were detained despite holding a peaceful protest, and urged supporters to continue heading to the venue.
Following the unrest, internet services were suspended at the protest site and surrounding areas. Delhi Metro authorities also closed entry and exit gates at 12 stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Jantar Mantar.
