Indian police detained opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and about 90 INDIA bloc members as they headed to a designated protest site in New Delhi. Demonstrators were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The demonstration took place on Wednesday, October 7. Police had stopped opposition protests for a second consecutive day. After a lunch meeting of INDIA bloc lawmakers, the group boarded buses for Jantar Mantar, but officers stopped them less than a kilometre from the site. The Associated Press and Reuters also reported Gandhi’s detention during the protest.
Gandhi and other demonstrators faced off with police for several hours outside the Shangri-La hotel. Officers took them to Barakhamba Road police station and released them at about 8:30 p.m. Gandhi said the opposition would continue protesting until Kumar resigned.
Police said restrictions under Section 163 of India’s BNSS law were in force in the area. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma said marches and demonstrations were prohibited without permission. Opposition leaders argued that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site.
After the demonstration, the Indian National Congress called on its state, block and district units to hold large protests and described the police action as a “black day for Indian democracy.” Opposition leaders said they planned to continue the protest on Thursday. Gandhi also said he wanted 100 criminal cases filed against him, calling each one a medal.
Police alleged that some demonstrators attacked officers. One sub-inspector said protesters bit him and tore his uniform. Police are reviewing mobile-phone footage after allegations that officers, including women, were assaulted.