Massive Clash Erupts at Jantar Mantar as CJP’s ‘Protest 2.0’ Turns Violent; Over 500 Detained, Including Leaders and Dhruv Rathee…
A massive clash broke out between protesters and the Delhi Police during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) mega-demonstration, ‘Protest 2.0,’ at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on October 10, 2020. The protest, called against the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in voter registration, created a tense atmosphere near Parliament Street and Akashvani Bhavan.CJP founders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Saurav Das were detained by police as a precautionary measure upon landing at Delhi airport. Ratna Singh, head of the CJP’s legal wing, and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee were also detained. Over 500 protesters, including several MPs and leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Left (CPI-M), were detained. Those detained were taken to Delhi’s Chhatrasal Stadium. The Delhi Police have also filed an FIR against those violating the law under serious sections. In view of the protests, approximately 30,000 to 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel (CAPF) have been deployed in Delhi. Sensitive areas are being monitored using drones and body cameras. Mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended in parts of Central Delhi for security reasons. Additionally, instructions have been issued to close or divert several Delhi Metro stations. The Delhi Police clarified that the CJP did not follow the rules for the protest and applied at the last minute, which is why the protest at Jantar Mantar was denied permission. Section 163 (formerly Section 144) of the Indian Civil Services Code (BNSS) has been imposed in the capital.