Delhi protest: Neha Bora detained on way to Jantar Mantar

AISA national president Neha Bora was detained by Delhi Police on Saturday amid a crackdown on protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Bora had called for protesters to assemble at Dilli Haat-INA after police tightened security arrangements around Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) had planned a demonstration demanding Kumar’s resignation.

“Dilli Haat becomes our Jantar Mantar,” Bora said, calling on protesters to continue their demonstration.

The detention came as Delhi Police stepped up action against protesters and activists ahead of the planned demonstration. CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were also detained after arriving at Delhi airport.

Bora had earlier been detained during a protest on October 4 while leading a march towards Jantar Mantar. The protests have centred on demands for Kumar’s resignation and opposition to the SIR exercise, which critics allege could disenfranchise eligible voters.

The Election Commission has maintained that the revision is intended to ensure the accuracy of electoral rolls.