'Orders from above': Dhruv Rathee, Ratna Singh detained by police

On Saturday, Delhi Police detained approximately 500 individuals ahead of an anticipated protest organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against the Election Commission of India. Sixty criminal suspects were also apprehended as part of preventive security measures. Among those detained was social media personality Dhruv Rathee, who was taken into custody at his residence in Gurugram.

The protest's objective is to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and to oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Delhi Police have intensified security across the city, deploying additional personnel, drones, barricades, and spike strips. Several metro stations have been temporarily closed, while traffic restrictions and internet curbs have been implemented in specific parts of the capital.

The New Delhi district has been divided into 20 operational zones, each equipped with a dedicated detention center. Several stadiums in the city have been converted into temporary holding facilities. Those arrested will be transported to six designated centers, including Chhatrasal Stadium, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Yamuna Sports Complex, Surajmal Stadium, Community Centre, Daulatpur, and Community Centre, Pandrawal.

Despite the protest being banned by the Delhi Police due to a previous breakdown of law and order in the area, the demonstration proceeded at Jantar Mantar and Sansad Marg. Dhruv Rathee was among the detained, following his arrest at his Gurugram residence early on Saturday morning.

The CJP activists are protesting in response to the Election Commission of India's special intensive review of electoral rolls. The protest comes amid a growing political dispute between opposition parties and the Election Commission over allegations of electoral malpractices. In light of the security measures, Delhi Airport has advised passengers to allow extra time and consider alternative transportation options due to heightened security and anticipated traffic disruptions.