Delhi police detain about 500 protesters ahead of planned CJP rally at Jantar Mantar

In a sweeping crackdown, Delhi Police arrested about 500 individuals attempting to assemble at Jantar Mantar for a planned protest targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The operation detained YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, activist Abhijeet Dipke, and other participants such as Neha, Dipankar Bhattacharya, and Yogendra Yadav. Authorities used drones to monitor crowds throughout New Delhi as the demonstrators moved toward the protest site.

Bhagwan Dipke, the father of Abhijeet, criticized the heavy police presence, asking why permission was required for a lawful protest and likening the situation to dacoits in Parliament. Anita Dipke, the mother, also denounced the arrests, saying there was no justification for detaining the activists. The police claim the gathering was unauthorized, while the protesters argue their right to demonstrate was being denied.