Thousands detained in Delhi during protest against election chief

Around 7,000 people were detained in Delhi on October 10 amid efforts to hold a protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, Indian media reported.

The Cockroach Janta Party accused police of forcibly detaining activists trying to reach Jantar Mantar. The organisation alleged that peaceful demonstrators were pushed and dragged into police vehicles. Those claims represent the organisers’ account.

According to the party, founder Abhijeet Dipke, co-convener Saurav Das and leader Ashutosh Ranka were detained after their aircraft landed at Delhi airport. Legal affairs head Ratna Singh was reportedly detained outside her home.

Police had refused permission for the demonstration. Barricades and additional security were deployed to prevent participants from reaching the venue. Protesters opposed alleged electoral-roll irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision exercise.

Indian reports named Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee among those detained. Both strongly condemned the authorities’ response. Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed solidarity with the protesters.

Bharatiya Janata Party representative Sambit Patra, by contrast, called the demonstration unsuccessful and backed police action. A police representative said six personnel were injured after stones were allegedly thrown at two locations. The circumstances were being examined, with police preparing to register a case.