Delhi protest: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee released from detention

On Sunday (October 11, 2026), YouTube personality Dhruv Rathee was released from police detention in Gurugram at around 2 a.m. The police spokesperson confirmed that no charges were filed against Rathee. However, if he attempts to proceed to Jantar Mantar despite prohibitory orders, he could be detained again or face further legal action.

Rathee was initially taken into custody on Saturday (October 10) from his residence in Gurugram's Sector 56 as authorities heightened security across Delhi to prevent protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar for a demonstration. This demonstration was aimed at pressuring Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign over alleged irregularities related to the Special Independent Review (SIR).

Over 7,000 protesters were detained across multiple locations in Delhi during this unprecedented security clampdown. Notable opposition figures, including former Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan, and Manik Sarkar, were also apprehended while trying to join the protest. Preventive arrest was granted to CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Saurav Das following their police detention at the airport.

Police are expected to file multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with alleged assaults on officers during the protest.