1,100 Detained Across Delhi During Protest Against Gyanesh Kumar

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police sources said around 1,100 people were detained across the city on October 2 as opposition parties, student groups and activists protested against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Some of those detained were later released.

The main protest was at Jantar Mantar, where people gathered despite police restrictions. Several protesters crossed barricades as police tried to stop them from reaching the site.

Those detained included AAP, Congress and Left party workers, along with members of student and youth organizations. Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj and Sanjeev Jha, CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby, RJD leader Manoj Jha, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat and social activists Yogendra Yadav and Nikhil Dey were among them.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh was stopped at North Avenue while heading toward Jantar Mantar. He later staged a dharna near the Mahatma Gandhi statue inside the Parliament complex, saying the AAP had sought permission about a week earlier.

Around 700 SFI members were stopped at the Ashoka Road roundabout at about 11 a.m. as they tried to reach Jantar Mantar. Several were detained. SFI general secretary Aishe Ghosh was among those leading the protest. AISA and NSUI activists were also detained.

AISA alleged that police used force during the detentions, including against women. NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar said several members were detained during the organization’s foot march and alleged that activists faced police action.

The Indian Youth Congress held a separate demonstration. Protesters wore black robes and white masks and carried skulls around their necks. The group called them “living ghosts,” saying they represented people it alleged had been removed from electoral rolls despite being alive. Some protesters wore masks bearing the faces of Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Police had denied permission for the gathering and imposed prohibitory orders in the New Delhi district. Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel were deployed around Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations. Buses were stationed to take detainees away.

The protest also led to restrictions on movement in central Delhi. The Delhi Metro temporarily closed entry and exit at 12 stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, New Delhi and Jantar Mantar. Internet services were suspended at the protest site and surrounding areas.

Delhi Traffic Police advised commuters to avoid Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road and adjoining roads wherever possible.

Delhi Police said the restrictions and detentions were aimed at preventing an unauthorized assembly. (with media reports)