Delhi Police Removes Jantar Mantar Protest Site Status Amid CJP Plans

Delhi Police removed Jantar Mantar's status as a designated protest location while Cockroach Janta Party leaders sought approval for a demonstration in New Delhi over alleged electoral roll revision irregularities, creating uncertainty for the planned protest and increasing security restrictions.

According to Times of India, CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka approached the Delhi Police to request a date for the protest. Police restrictions were already in place around Parliament Street, with barricades and security personnel deployed nearby.

Police announcements around the restricted area stated: "Section 163 of BNSS is in place. Please abide by law and order. Stay away from barricades on the road." was announced by Delhi Police.

The party said in its communication that more than 55,000 police and paramilitary personnel had been deployed across Delhi over three days. CJP also alleged detentions, physical aggression, restrictions on journalists and business losses caused by closures, according to Times of India.

Ranka, a CJP co-convenor, said the group submitted a letter after seeking permission from police for the protest.

"We have come to police with a letter giving them the option to suggest a date on which we can hold our protest. The DCP came into the room, but left when he saw us sitting there. So, we could not meet him.

The additional DCP and SHO are not present. It appears the entire police station has been vacated since CJP members arrived. Anyway, we have submitted the letter," said Saurav Ranka, CJP co-convenor.

The New York Times reported that CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released after detention related to planned protests against voter roll revisions. Ratna Singh, the group's legal director, said the leaders agreed to refrain from any breach of peace for one year.

The Guardian reported that the movement emerged after anger over exam leaks, unemployment concerns and allegations related to electoral rolls. The publication noted that the term "cockroaches" came from a comparison made by India's chief justice regarding jobless youths.

Dipke said after his release that the group would continue peaceful demonstrations.

"The CJP will neither back down nor be intimidated," said Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder.

The New York Times reported that small protests continued in parts of central Delhi after the leaders' release, while police remained deployed and detained some demonstrators. The number of people detained during the protests could not be independently confirmed.