Mass Detentions in Delhi Ahead of Election Commission Protest; CJP Leader Among Those Held

Widespread Action Precedes Election Commission Protest in Delhi, Several Detained Including CJP Leader

The Cliff News | New Delhi | October 10, 2026

In a significant security operation ahead of a planned protest in Delhi on October 10, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, the police have undertaken extensive measures. Security has been heightened across various parts of the capital, with efforts made to prevent protesters heading towards Jantar Mantar. As part of this operation, Abhijit Deepke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), along with several other key leaders of the organization, were detained immediately upon their arrival at Delhi airport.

This development has caused a stir in political and social circles. The CJP had called for this protest against the Chief Election Commissioner, raising questions related to the electoral process and the revision of voter lists. The organization alleges that a large number of eligible voters were removed during the voter list revision, casting doubts on the fairness of the electoral process. The CJP demands accountability for these allegations and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

However, it is important to assess the veracity and impact of these allegations based on facts and official data.

Airport Detentions: CJP Leaders Stopped

Amidst the Delhi Police's denial of permission for the proposed protest and security restrictions, the most dramatic turn of events unfolded at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Abhijit Deepke, founder of the CJP, along with Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who arrived in Delhi from Mumbai, were detained even while still inside the aircraft. According to media reports, police officers took these leaders into custody shortly after the plane landed.

A video of this incident also emerged, further intensifying discussions about the action. The CJP has strongly objected to the detention of its leaders, terming it an attempt to suppress the protest. The organization states that they intended to raise crucial issues related to the electoral process through democratic means.

This police action also raises the question of how to balance the constitutional right to peaceful protest with the responsibility of maintaining law and order.

Detention of Other Personalities

Prior to the protest, reports also emerged of YouTuber Dhruv Rathee being detained from his residence in Gurugram. However, the circumstances of the detentions of various individuals and the nature of legal action against them may differ. Therefore, detentions should not be equated with formal arrests.

The police imposed barricades at various locations and controlled movement to stop other protesters heading towards Jantar Mantar. This affected traffic in the central parts of the capital. Traffic restrictions and alternate routes were implemented on some roads for security reasons.

The metro services were also impacted, with entry and exit gates of some metro stations temporarily closed. Passengers were advised to check the latest information from the relevant metro and traffic departments before traveling.

Involvement of Leftist Organizations and Broader Political Dimension

Leaders and activists from leftist organizations and other political groups also participated in this protest. According to news reports, some prominent leftist leaders, including senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and former Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, were detained around Jantar Mantar.

This participation broadened the scope of the protest beyond the CJP, giving it a wider political color.

Questions on Numbers and the Actual Situation

There have been discrepancies in various reports regarding the total number of protesters and the exact number of people detained. In such a situation, confirmation from official sources and exact figures are awaited for claims such as the detention of over two thousand people.

Similarly, without an official announcement regarding the total number of police and paramilitary forces deployed in the national capital, no figure can be considered final. According to available reports, preparations were made for the deployment of approximately 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel in Delhi, underscoring the significance of this level of action.

This entire sequence of events raises several serious questions about the impartiality of electoral institutions, the voter list revision process, the limits of the right to political protest, and the need to maintain law and order. In a democratic system, transparent investigation of allegations, factual clarification, and the discharge of constitutional responsibilities by all concerned parties are extremely important to maintain public trust in electoral institutions.

At the same time, it is also essential for the administration to act lawfully while enforcing security measures and respect the constitutional right to peaceful dissent. Further official information on this detention action in Delhi and the subsequent questions raised will help clarify the complete picture of this developing situation.