Delhi CJP Tiranga March: Abhijeet Dipke Detained, Around 1,000 Protesters Gather at Connaught Place

Abhijeet Dipke Detained Ahead of Tiranga March

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained by Delhi Police on Friday ahead of the party's planned Tiranga March at Central Park in Connaught Place.

According to reports, police officers stopped Dipke as he came out of a building and took him into a police vehicle following a brief exchange. Dipke questioned the detention, stating that he had not violated any law.

The march, titled 'Lehra Do Tiranga', was scheduled for 5 pm on October 16. The party had appealed to supporters and members of the public to participate while carrying the national flag.

Around 1,000 Protesters Gather Near Central Park

Despite restrictions, around 1,000 protesters reportedly gathered near Central Park in Connaught Place. With the park closed to the public, demonstrators assembled on nearby roads and raised slogans while holding the Tricolour.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had announced that Central Park would remain closed on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons. Delhi Police had also warned against unauthorised gatherings in Connaught Place and adjoining areas.

Police personnel were deployed in large numbers, with barricades and traffic restrictions introduced to manage the situation.

Protest Over Alleged Electoral Roll Irregularities

The CJP's march comes amid ongoing demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Opposition parties and student organisations have raised concerns about the deletion of names from voter lists, alleging that the exercise could affect eligible voters. The Election Commission has denied allegations of political bias and maintained that the revision process is intended to clean up electoral rolls.

The protest also follows the detention of CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were reportedly sent to five days of judicial custody after entering Jantar Mantar, which had been denotified as a designated protest site.

Police Restrictions and Traffic Diversions

Delhi Police had urged the public to avoid the proposed gathering, citing prohibitory orders in Connaught Place and surrounding areas. Authorities also warned that violations could lead to legal action.

According to reports, traffic restrictions and diversions were introduced across several roads and junctions in central Delhi. The restrictions were expected to affect commuters, shoppers and people travelling towards New Delhi Railway Station.

Police had indicated that a small group might be permitted to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at an appropriate location, subject to the applicable restrictions.

Traders Express Concern Over Business Losses

The proposed march also raised concerns among traders in Connaught Place and Palika Bazaar, where shopkeepers reported a decline in customer footfall amid repeated protests and security restrictions.

Some traders said the demonstrations had affected business during the festive season. The concerns came shortly after a street vendor approached the Delhi High Court seeking regulation of the planned protest.

On October 15, the High Court declined to restrain the CJP from holding the demonstration and recorded the Delhi Police's assurance that it would take all possible measures under the law to regulate the gathering.

The march has added to the ongoing debate over the right to peaceful protest, restrictions on public gatherings and the concerns raised by opposition groups regarding electoral roll revisions.