New Delhi, October 13, 2026: Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday after they entered Jantar Mantar to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The incident took place a day after the Centre removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke shared a video on social media showing party members climbing an iron gate and a police barricade to enter the area. The protesters were carrying Indian flags and raising slogans when police stopped them and took them away.
Why Was CJP Protesting?
The protest was part of CJP's campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The group has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
The SIR process involves reviewing and updating voter lists. The controversy has led to protests by political groups and opposition leaders, who have raised questions about the process.
CJP has said that its campaign will continue despite restrictions on protests at Jantar Mantar. Reacting to the latest incident, Abhijeet Dipke challenged the decision to remove the site from the list of approved protest venues, stating that resistance cannot be stopped by such restrictions.
Jantar Mantar No Longer a Designated Protest Site
Jantar Mantar in central Delhi has long been a well-known location for public demonstrations. However, the Centre has now designated three alternative locations for protests and sit-ins in the capital: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi.
The change comes amid heightened security in the capital following demonstrations over the voter-list revision process and demands for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.
What Happens Next?
The detention of CJP leaders highlights the continuing dispute over the right to protest and the restrictions imposed on demonstrations in Delhi. The group has indicated that it will continue raising its concerns.
The latest incident also brings attention to the wider debate over electoral transparency, voter-list revision and the role of public demonstrations in holding institutions accountable.
As the situation develops, further updates are expected on the detained members and the group's next steps.