New Delhi, October 2026 : Founders and leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, were detained upon arriving in Delhi from Mumbai on Saturday as they planned to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The three were taken into custody from inside their aircraft, according to reports. A video showed Dipke saying, “I have come here to be arrested. Go ahead, arrest me.”
Despite the CJP reportedly not receiving permission to hold its demonstration at Jantar Mantar, protesters continued to gather at the designated protest area. Police action was underway, with around 150 demonstrators reportedly detained. Social media influencer Dhruv Rathee was also reported to be in custody, while CJP legal head Ratna was detained by police.
The proposed demonstration prompted heightened security arrangements across central Delhi, with authorities restricting access to several roads leading towards Jantar Mantar.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin launched a sharp attack on the opposition INDIA bloc and the CJP over the planned protest. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Nabin alleged that attempts were being made to create an extremely dangerous and serious situation in the country.
He accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the CJP of conspiring to destabilise India and claimed that the developments were being orchestrated at the behest of foreign forces.
“Today, an attempt is being made to create an extremely dangerous and serious situation in the country. In a nation where 1.4 billion people live in peace and harmony and work together to contribute to India’s development, efforts are being made to destabilise the country,” Nabin said.
Security was also tightened around Mandi House roundabout, a key junction connecting several parts of central Delhi. Police closed major roads and lanes leading from Mandi House towards Jantar Mantar, allowing only people with valid identification and a legitimate reason to proceed.
Movement was also restricted on Ferozeshah Road, Barakhamba Road and routes connecting Connaught Place with Jantar Mantar. Police personnel were deployed at key intersections to regulate traffic and prevent unauthorised access.
The detentions and security restrictions came amid preparations for the CJP’s demonstration against the Chief Election Commissioner. Further details regarding the legal grounds for the detentions and the police action were not immediately available.
