Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
The founders of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) — Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das — were detained at Delhi airport ahead of a party protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Earlier, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and more than 600 other supporters were also reportedly detained from different locations across the national capital. According to reports, Delhi Police detained Rathee from his residence in Gurugram as he was preparing to attend the CJP protest.
Police personnel reportedly entered his house in the morning after his mother opened the door. Around 50 police personnel had allegedly gathered outside the residence late at night.
Heavy Security Deployment Across Delhi
In view of the planned demonstration, more than 38,000 security personnel have reportedly been deployed across Delhi. Authorities have tightened security at several locations, with road spikes installed to restrict vehicle movement.
Heavy security arrangements have been made around Hotel Le Meridien and nearby intersections following the CJP's announcement of a protest at Jantar Mantar.
Delhi Police have also intensified vehicle and bus checks along MG Road. In the Mehrauli area, announcements are being made through loudspeakers, urging people to maintain peace and ensure law and order.
CJP Shares Video of Legal Affairs Head
The CJP shared a video of its Legal Affairs Head, Ratna Singh, in which she can be heard describing an alleged police intervention at her residence.
During a video call, Singh reportedly said that police personnel had visited her house in the morning and told her that they were acting on orders from higher authorities. She alleged that the personnel were asking her to remain at home and that her car had been surrounded.
Singh further said that she had not stepped out of the car and that three women were inside the vehicle.
Liquor Shops to Remain Closed on October 9 and 10
Amid the security arrangements, the Delhi Excise Department has ordered the closure of designated retail liquor shops on October 9 and 10. The order covers outlets selling Indian, foreign and country liquor, including certain liquor shops located in malls.
However, licensed restaurants, bars and clubs will be permitted to serve alcohol as usual.
Two Namo Bharat Stations to Remain Closed
As part of the security measures, the Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar Namo Bharat stations in Delhi will remain closed from 9 pm on October 9 until 10 pm on October 10.
Namo Bharat train services between Anand Vihar in Delhi and Modinagar in Uttar Pradesh will continue to operate according to their scheduled timings during this period.
The developments come amid heightened security in the capital ahead of the CJP's planned demonstration demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation and a halt to the SIR exercise.
