The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has reopened all entry and exit gates at metro stations across the national capital, restoring normal access for commuters after temporary restrictions were imposed ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest on Saturday.
In a post on X, the DMRC said passengers could enter and exit stations as usual. Interchange facilities at all affected stations have also been restored, allowing commuters to switch between metro lines without restrictions.
Metro restrictions imposed ahead of CJP protest
The restrictions were introduced as a precautionary measure before the CJP's planned demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.
The DMRC had earlier announced the closure of entry and exit gates at 45 stations, including Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk and Kashmere Gate. The restrictions were scheduled to remain in force from 9 pm on Friday, October 9, until further notice. Several Delhi-bound trains were also suspended in view of the protest.
The CJP has announced plans to resume its march to Jantar Mantar on Sunday and remain there until its demands are met. Leader Ajinkya Shinde made the announcement following the detention of Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Shinde also expressed concern over their safety, saying their whereabouts remained unknown after police took them off a plane soon after it landed at Delhi airport.
Nearly 4,000 detained during protest
Delhi Police said nearly 4,000 people had been detained in connection with Saturday's protest. Those detained included former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and AISA's Neha Bora. Reports also emerged of journalists being detained near Jantar Mantar, with social media posts and videos showing some flashing their press cards from inside buses.
Wangchuk threatens another hunger strike
Activist Sonam Wangchuk warned that he could launch another hunger strike if the detained leaders were not released by Sunday. In a video message, he described the situation as an "undeclared emergency".
"Yesterday when I posted a message appealing for unity and peace in today's protest, I had never imagined that the biggest democracy in the world would be under an undeclared EMERGENCY," he wrote.
Wangchuk, who had backed the protest but could not attend in person, said he had been glad to see several leaders joining the movement but had since learnt that they had been arrested.