At least 1000 detained overnight in Delhi ahead of today’s CJP protest

In Delhi, authorities detained over 1000 individuals overnight in anticipation of a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party-All India Students’ Association. The protest aimed to pressure Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down. As the clock struck 12:30 AM on Saturday, approximately 250 of these detainees were from Delhi’s South East district, particularly around the Shaheen Bagh area, where anti-CAA protests took place in 2020.

More than 100 individuals were from Shahdara and East Delhi districts, which border Uttar Pradesh. The Delhi Police expressed concerns that the protest could result in a "serious law and order issue," detaining 50 people near Connaught Place. These detentions were deemed preventive, targeting individuals with a history of organizing protesters and creating "unlawful" situations.

Detainees will be transferred to 13 major detention centers across each district prior to the protest. The Delhi Police deployed a significant force, with more than 30,000 personnel positioned throughout the city, while all border areas of Delhi remained heavily guarded. The deployment included police inspectors, platoons, and sections of both male and female personnel, with additional forces and reserves standing by for reinforcement.

Inter-district border pickets were established between Central District and New Delhi district, as well as at connecting points in South, South-East, and South-West Delhi districts. Entry was restricted from areas close to New Delhi, such as Ashoka Road and Tolstoy Road, which are just a short walk away. The stretch between these locations was fortified with 10 barricades and guarded by over 30 paramilitary personnel.