80 detained over ‘illegal’ protest in Pune demanding CEC’s resignation

Around 80 protesters were detained in Pune on Sunday evening for holding unauthorized demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. According to the police, Aniket Deshmane from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) had submitted a letter at Deccan police station requesting permission to protest at Kalakar Katta in the Good Luck hotel chowk area, but their request was denied.

However, the protest was widely promoted on social media, prompting a large police presence at the scene.

As the protest commenced, police forcefully placed demonstrators in vans. Tensions escalated as protesters resisted, shouted slogans, and even entered the Good Luck hotel, leading to heated arguments with law enforcement. The hotel's doors were subsequently closed for a period. Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishikesh Rawale informed that approximately 80 protestors were apprehended and transported for legal proceedings.

Rawale stated that there was no authorization for the protest at the crowded Kalakar Katta junction, which often experiences traffic congestion and road blockages. The police intervened to maintain order.

The protesters labeled the police's actions as an "undeclared emergency," asserting that the government is infringing upon their fundamental right to protest. Activist Deepika Dod of Nav Samajwadi Paryay criticized the police for detaining the activists. Left and progressive groups in Pune participated in the agitation. Police indicated that the detained individuals would be released later that evening after completing necessary legal procedures.

On a previous occasion, on Saturday, 88 protestors were detained for allegedly engaging in illegal activities against CEC Gyanesh Kumar near Lal Mahal junction close to Shaniwar Wada; they were subsequently released.