In brief
In a flare‑up of protests over disputed voter roll revisions, Delhi police detained leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party after they breached barricades at Jantar Mantar. Footage shows the leaders waving the Indian flag as they climb over police barriers before being taken away. The government has de‑notified Jantar Mantar as a legal protest site, designating three alternative locations and tightening security across the capital. The move comes amid growing opposition pressure on the Election Commission and a broader wave of demonstrations challenging the ruling party’s reforms.
Delhi police detained leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) after they broke into the heavily‑guarded Jantar Mantar protest site. The incident followed a government decision to de‑notify the historic observatory as a legal protest venue.
Video released by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke shows the leaders climbing over barricades, chanting slogans while holding the Indian flag. They were captured on camera before police pulled them away and moved them onto a police bus where officers displayed a cheerful attitude despite the detention.
The move comes from a surge of demonstrations that challenge a controversial revision of voter rolls, which critics claim benefits the ruling party. The CJP and other opposition groups have called for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
In response to the heightened tensions, Delhi authorities increased security across the capital, closed several metro stations, and deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel. They also identified three alternative sites for future demonstrations, although restrictions on where protests can be held remain tighter than before.
Other protests have taken place across the city, including a march from Connaught Place to the Supreme Court and sit‑ins by student groups. These actions reflect wider frustration over electoral reforms, education policy and government accountability.
As the city remains on high alert, the government and opposition face mounting pressure to negotiate reforms and address the heightened public demand for transparency and fair governance.
