Over 500 detained in Delhi as CJP-led protests target poll chief

More than 500 protesters were detained at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday as police moved to prevent a gathering demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) prepared to hold a separate protest in Mumbai.

Police detained protesters after student and civil society groups gathered near Jantar Mantar despite not having permission for the demonstration. AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj and party MLA Sanjeev Jha were among those detained after reaching the protest site, according to reports.

Police had barricaded roads leading to Jantar Mantar and deployed personnel around the area. Several protesters were taken away in buses as officers warned people against assembling in groups.

The protests have been called over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Protesters have accused the poll panel of improperly removing eligible voters, allegations denied by the Election Commission and the government. The Election Commission has maintained that the exercise is intended to identify and remove duplicate, deceased and otherwise ineligible entries.

In Mumbai, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke is scheduled to lead a “Jail Bharo Andolan” at Shivaji Park at 4 pm. The group is demanding Kumar’s resignation, a freeze on the SIR exercise and greater transparency in the appointment of election commissioners. Mumbai Police have not granted permission for the gathering.

Dipke was briefly taken to the Marine Drive police station on Thursday after he was seen carrying placards with supporters, according to a police official cited by India Today. Mumbai Police, however, denied that he had been detained, saying he was taken to the station for an interaction and subsequently allowed to leave. CJP has also denied reports that Dipke was detained.

The CJP has said it plans to take its campaign to other cities, while Opposition parties have separately announced protests over the Election Commission’s functioning and the SIR exercise.