New Delhi: Political activity intensified in the capital over the CJP protest. As news of protesters gathering spread, a massive security deployment was visible on Delhi’s streets, as if the entire security apparatus had mobilised to tackle a major challenge. Police deployment was ramped up across the city—from Dhaula Kuan to Jantar Mantar, along Janpath to Minto Bridge, and at the Delhi-Ghaziabad border. Reports indicate that approximately 400 people have been detained from various locations so far. Meanwhile, there were reports of escalating tension between protesters and the police in some areas, with attempts made to break through barricades and advance.
Reports of injuries to some police personnel during the protest have also emerged; consequently, security arrangements in the capital remain tight, and the police are closely monitoring the situation.
A Wave of Detentions from Dhaula Kuan to Jantar Mantar
Police action drew attention even before the protest officially began. Reports surfaced of people being detained in various parts of the capital, including Dhaula Kuan, while they were on their way to join the demonstration. Those detained reportedly include prominent content creators, students, and political activists.
According to available information, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was detained by the Delhi Police in Gurugram. News also emerged regarding the detention of Ratna Singh, the head of CJP’s legal cell. Additionally, reports indicated that Abhijit Deepke, Saurabh Das, and Ashutosh Ranka were detained upon their arrival by air. The CJP has reportedly raised objections to this action and demanded the release of the detained individuals. **Face-off at Barricades on Minto Bridge**
Tensions escalated during a protest in the capital’s Minto Bridge area. Reports indicated that some protesters attempted to advance after breaching the first layer of barricades set up by the police. Police forces deployed at the scene stepped in to bring the situation under control; several individuals were reportedly detained during the incident.
Police activity also intensified in other sensitive areas, including Jantar Mantar and Janpath. There were reports of detentions involving students associated with student organisations and others heading to participate in the protest.
Senior Officers Take Charge at the Border
Given the gravity of the protest, extensive security arrangements were put in place at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border. Devesh Chandra Srivastava, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order, Zone-1), visited the border area to assess security measures. Other senior officers, including Joint Commissioner of Police Milind Mahadeo Dumbre and Deputy Commissioner of Police (East District) Rajiv Kumar, were also present.
Teams from both the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh police were deployed at the border. Vehicles and individuals were screened, and a close watch was kept for any suspicious activity. While reviewing security arrangements, police officials emphasised the need to maintain law and order and remain vigilant to handle any untoward incidents.
Police Action in Ghaziabad
Increased police activity was also reported in Ghaziabad, which borders Delhi, ahead of the protest. According to various reports, the Ghaziabad police detained over 90 people. Those detained reportedly included farmer leaders as well as leaders and activists from political parties.
Heightened surveillance and checks in border areas raised concerns about potential disruptions to the movement of people heading towards the capital. The police aimed to prevent the crowd from becoming unruly during the protest and to minimise traffic disruptions on sensitive routes. Around 400 Detained
According to reports from various parts of the capital, approximately 400 people have been detained so far. There have also been reports of aggressive protests, confrontations with the police, and injuries to police personnel in some locations. Left-wing leaders—including CPI(M) leader and former MP Brinda Karat and former Kerala minister KK Shailaja—were detained and placed on a bus before they could head to Jantar Mantar.
Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, MP John Brittas, and former Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal marched up to the barricades set up at Jantar Mantar. They maintained that they were not violating Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),
as there were only three of them. Subsequently, they were taken into custody and put into a jeep. Another 70 people were detained from the Jantar Mantar area early Saturday morning. While the police are engaged in maintaining law and order and controlling crowds in sensitive areas, the detentions linked to the protests have sparked a heated debate in political and social circles. Amidst the tight security arrangements in the capital, all eyes are now on how quickly the situation returns to normal.
