New Delhi, October 17, 2026: Heavy security remained in place across central Delhi on Saturday, a day after around 2,000 people participated in the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest in and around Connaught Place. Barricades and additional police personnel continued to guard Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, the Delhi Police headquarters and the Election Commission of India headquarters amid concerns over possible fresh demonstrations.
Around 2,000 People Join Friday’s Rally
According to police estimates, approximately 2,000 protesters participated in Friday evening’s march. Demonstrators carried the national flag and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The rally brought renewed attention to the dispute over electoral-roll revisions and the treatment of protesters in the capital.
Security Deployment Remains High
Delhi Police maintained a heavy security presence on Saturday, although no major fresh demonstration by CJP or Congress had been formally announced.
Security arrangements were concentrated around Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg, Connaught Place and key government buildings. Barricades remained in place at sensitive locations as police prepared for possible gatherings.
Nearly 20,000 CAPF Personnel Available
A senior police officer reportedly said that more than 200 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), comprising nearly 20,000 personnel, were available to assist with protest management across Delhi.
Around 10,000 Delhi Police personnel were also kept in reserve for potential demonstrations and marches.
Around 6,000 Personnel Deployed During Friday’s Protest
Police officials said approximately 6,000 security personnel were deployed in and around Connaught Place during Friday’s rally.
The deployment reflected the authorities’ preparations to manage the gathering and prevent protesters from entering restricted areas.
Central Park Remains Closed
Central Park in Connaught Place, which had been intended as the main protest venue, remained closed to the public.
The New Delhi Municipal Council had announced that the park would remain shut on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons, limiting demonstrators’ access to the planned gathering point.
Protesters March Around Connaught Place
Unable to enter Central Park, demonstrators gathered in smaller groups around Connaught Place’s inner circle.
Police subsequently dispersed the groups after they moved around the area. Most protesters had left by the evening, according to media reports.
Around 150 People Detained
Delhi Police said around 150 people were detained from Connaught Place, Mandi House and areas near Jantar Mantar during Friday’s mobilisation.
Most were subsequently released. The detentions followed the enforcement of prohibitory orders imposed in parts of central Delhi.
CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke Detained
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained before he could reach the main protest site.
Police had reportedly served him a notice informing him that prohibitory orders were in force and directing him not to participate in the march.
His detention became a major point of contention between the movement’s supporters and the authorities.
AISA President Neha Bora Also Detained
All India Students’ Association president Neha Bora was also detained after reaching the protest area.
She was released from preventive detention early Saturday, while Dipke was expected to be produced before a magistrate, according to reports.
Multiple FIRs Registered
Delhi Police registered multiple first information reports (FIRs) following Friday’s demonstration.
The cases reportedly concern alleged violations of prohibitory orders and obstruction of public servants. Police had not immediately disclosed the complete number of FIRs or all the legal provisions invoked.
Section 163 Restrictions Continue
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in force across parts of New Delhi.
Police said unauthorised gatherings would not be permitted in restricted areas while the orders remain active.
Possible Fresh Protest Near Police Headquarters
Security was also tightened near Delhi Police headquarters following inputs suggesting that some Left-wing organisations might organise a women’s march at the location.
The proposed demonstration was reportedly linked to allegations of sexual violence by police during earlier protests. Police said permission had not been granted for the gathering.
The allegations and the authorities’ response remain part of the wider dispute over protest management.
Jantar Mantar Under Heavy Guard
Barricades remained in place at Jantar Mantar, where police personnel were stationed at the area’s three main entry and exit points.
The continued deployment reflects heightened security preparations amid uncertainty over whether further demonstrations will take place.
Protesters Continue to Demand CEC’s Resignation
CJP and allied groups continue to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that electoral-roll revisions have removed eligible voters.
The Election Commission has rejected allegations of politically motivated manipulation and maintained that eligible citizens can seek corrections or re-registration through the prescribed process.
Opposition Parties Criticise Detentions
Opposition parties, including Congress, the Samajwadi Party, the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, have criticised the detentions and called for the release of protest leaders.
Their response has widened the political debate surrounding the CJP mobilisation, bringing the handling of demonstrations and electoral-roll revisions into sharper focus.
Delhi Police Says Deployment Will Continue
Police officials said security arrangements would continue in Connaught Place and other sensitive locations to prevent sudden gatherings and unauthorised demonstrations.
Markets remain open, and authorities have said the objective is to maintain normal movement while enforcing restrictions on prohibited gatherings.
The situation in central Delhi remains closely monitored as police prepare for possible further demonstrations.
Source – Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, Reuters, Delhi Police
Supreme News Network
