By Sawer singh Jamwal
Delhi Braces for Mass Demonstration Amid High-Profile Custodies
Authorities in the capital have launched a widespread crackdown following an unapproved demonstration called jointly by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the All India Students’ Association (AISA). The groups are staging a demonstration at Jantar Mantar directed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities and tampering in the voter rolls.
Key Developments:
Airport Detentions: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and fellow party convenors were intercepted by law enforcement directly aboard their aircraft shortly after touching down at Delhi airport.
Senior Political Figures Held: Several prominent leaders—including former Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan, and Manik Sarkar—have been taken into police custody. From her detention site, Banerjee has launched a sit-in demonstration.
Protest Marches Forward: In Dipke’s absence, Ajinkya Shinde has assumed leadership of the mobilization, calling on party workers and supporters to continue pushing toward Jantar Mantar despite police resistance.
Mass Detentions Across the City: Estimates indicate between 2,000 and 3,000 demonstrators have been rounded up so far, including approximately 150 individuals intercepted near Connaught Place.
Security Grid Tightened: Mindful of the major unrest during the July 20 paper-leak agitations—which ultimately forced the exit of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan—Delhi has been placed under heavy security. More than 20,000 personnel from the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces patrol major junctions, while roughly 600 individuals with prior police records have been rounded up preventively.
