A planned mass demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday turned into a series of scattered protests as heavy security deployment and mass detentions prevented demonstrators from assembling at the designated venue. Protesters moved across several parts of the capital, raising slogans and attempting to regroup as police personnel blocked roads and restricted access to key locations.
The protest was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the use of Form 6 for voter registration.
The demonstration was part of a series of protests held in Delhi over the past week, including one led by Congress activists under Rahul Gandhi.
Heavy security disrupts protest plans
Although the demonstration was scheduled to begin at 10.30 am, security restrictions made it difficult for participants to reach Jantar Mantar. Protesters instead spread across Connaught Place, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Dilli Haat, Gole Market, INA Market and Minto Bridge in search of alternative gathering points.
Several groups also assembled near Sansad Marg, Raisina Road, Hanuman Mandir and Shivaji Stadium metro station. Police detained some demonstrators near Regal Cinema in Connaught Place, while others were chased away as they attempted to regroup.
Officials said around 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel had been deployed across the city. Entry and exit restrictions were imposed at 45 metro stations, while surveillance was stepped up at Delhi's borders, railway stations and bus terminals. Authorities had estimated that around 7,000 protesters could arrive in the capital.
Despite the extensive security arrangements, no violence was reported. Police officers had been instructed to exercise maximum restraint while handling the situation.
The confusion was a departure from the July demonstration at Jantar Mantar, when protesters had been able to assemble at a common location before marching. This time, participants relied on social media posts and messages to coordinate their movements.
"Last time, we were stationed at Jantar Mantar and then had to march. This time, there is so much confusion about when and where to come," a protester said, adding that participants would continue their fight for democracy.
Restrictions on mobile internet services and the suspension of trains arriving in New Delhi from outside the capital further complicated efforts to reach the protest sites.
Leaders detained, organisers shift venues
The detention of CJP leaders Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka at Delhi airport after their flight from Mumbai landed added to the organisers' difficulties.
Ajinkya Shinde, appointed the party's national organisation in-charge following their detention, urged demonstrators to continue protesting wherever police stopped them.
"If your movement is blocked by barricades or police personnel anywhere on the streets, do not stop -- start your protest right where you are stopped," Shinde said, reiterating the demand for Kumar's resignation.
The All India Students' Association (AISA) also shifted its demonstration to Dilli Haat after detentions near Jantar Mantar. Its president, Neha Bora, announced the change of venue on X, writing, "Delhi Haat becomes Jantar Mantar today! See you there!" Protesters later said Bora had also been detained.
In another attempt to organise a gathering, Congress Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim and SFI activists sought to convene a demonstration dubbed "Jantar Mantar 2.0" at Nangloi Stadium.