CJP Leaders Detained Amid Protests Against Election Commissioner
On 13 October 2026, CJP leaders were detained by Delhi Police during protests against alleged electoral irregularities linked to Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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On 13 October 2026, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained by Delhi Police while attempting to reach Jantar Mantar, a historical site for protests, in connection with ongoing demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This protest is in response to alleged irregularities in the electoral process, particularly regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has reportedly led to the deletion of about 13 crore voters across India.
The police have sought an extension of the deployment of 273 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Delhi until 20 October 2026, citing the potential for further protests by the CJP and other organizations. This request was made to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, as the current deployment was set to expire soon. A total of 301 CAPF companies had been approved for deployment, with 221 companies cleared on 6 October and an additional 80 on 8 October. As of 12 October, 28 of those companies had not yet reported to the Delhi Police.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions challenging the closure of several metro stations in Delhi amid these protests. On 12 October, the Supreme Court registry flagged multiple defects in a petition filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others, which sought complete disclosure of records from the Election Commission of India (ECI) related to the SIR process. The petition also calls for an independent investigation into the allegations against Gyanesh Kumar.
The protests intensified on 12 October when opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, participated in a “March for Democracy” towards the Supreme Court. This march was marked by heavy police barricades and a lack of permission for the assembly, leading to police registering two FIRs for alleged breaches of barricades during the demonstration. According to police sources, several opposition leaders were seen breaking through barricades with the help of a mini-truck.
In response to the increasing unrest, the Delhi Police de-notified Jantar Mantar as an official protest site on 12 October, moving protests to three alternative locations further from the power centers of the capital. This decision has faced criticism from activists who argue that it impedes citizens’ ability to draw attention to their demands. The police justified this action by stating that Jantar Mantar was no longer suitable for protests due to its lack of facilities for demonstrators.
In addition to the protests in Delhi, similar demonstrations occurred in Bengaluru, where over 100 protesters were detained while opposing the SIR process. Reports indicate heavy-handedness from the Bengaluru City Police, with allegations of mistreatment of demonstrators, including students and women.
The situation continues to evolve as opposition parties and civil society groups prepare for further actions. A joint press conference of INDIA bloc leaders is scheduled to take place, focusing on strategies to address the alleged voter suppression and the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The Delhi High Court has also agreed to hear petitions regarding the denotification of Jantar Mantar and the treatment of protesters, indicating ongoing legal scrutiny of the government’s actions during these protests.
