Over 20 FIRs In Delhi As Police Act Against Protest Attempts Over Electoral Roll Revision

Delhi Police have registered more than 20 FIRs over attempts to hold protests forcibly in the national capital, officials said on Sunday.

The cases involve alleged obstruction of official duties, assault on police personnel and taking the law into one’s own hands.

Protesters gathered near Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

An Executive Magistrate ordered the release of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Sunday after police placed them under preventive arrest. CJP legal affairs head Ratna Singh confirmed their release.

Police detained the three leaders at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday after they arrived in Delhi to join the planned demonstration against the Election Commission of India.

The detentions followed a security operation on Saturday, when authorities detained more than 3,000 protesters, including opposition leaders Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal and Pinarayi Vijayan.

Police deployed security across the capital, preventing the planned demonstration and prompting smaller gatherings at different locations.

Authorities had denied permission for the protest and imposed internet restrictions, roadblocks and traffic diversions. They aimed to prevent a repeat of the CJP’s July demonstration at Jantar Mantar, which turned violent.

Police took detainees to Chhatrasal Stadium and several police stations.

Authorities released most of them, including the opposition leaders, later on Saturday.

Police detained social media influencer Dhruv Rathee at his residence in Gurugram on Saturday and released him early on Sunday.

Despite the restrictions, CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde announced that protesters would march towards Jantar Mantar on Sunday. He said they would continue the agitation until CEC Gyanesh Kumar resigned.

Also Read: PM Modi, Amit Shah Pay Tribute To Jayaprakash Narayan On Birth Anniversary