Dhruv Rathee Detained Earlier

Hours before, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was detained from his residence in Sector 56, Gurugram. According to the CJP, around 50 police personnel in plain clothes reached his home at about 8 am. Reports differed on whether it was Gurugram Police or Delhi Police that carried out the detention.

Rathee had attended a similar protest in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Why the Protest Was Not Allowed

Delhi Police had denied permission for the Jantar Mantar protest, citing a late application, alleged violations of conditions during an earlier demonstration and concerns over public order. Around 150 other protesters were also reportedly detained.

What the Protest Is About

The CJP’s protest targets Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Protesters allege the Election Commission is not acting independently.

Delhi Under Tight Security

• Vehicles are being checked at Delhi’s borders.
• Police personnel are wearing body cameras.
• Drone surveillance is underway at key locations, including New Delhi Railway Station.
• Metro stations including Supreme Court and Mandi House have been closed.
• Security has been increased at the residences of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

“Our effort is to ensure that everything remains peaceful and law and order is maintained,” said DCP Anant Mittal.

On Friday, Indian Railways had also cancelled several trains due at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin, citing expected traffic congestion.

Why It Matters: Protest Without Its Leaders

With both its founder and its most prominent public face detained before reaching Jantar Mantar, the CJP’s protest has lost its key leaders on the ground. Authorities say the detentions are preventive, as the protest lacked permission. The CJP says they are an attempt to stop dissent. The day reflects a recurring tension in Delhi between the right to protest and the police’s responsibility to maintain order.

Timeline So Far

The Bottom Line

Before the protest could begin, its leaders were detained. How the situation unfolds at Jantar Mantar will be updated here.

With inputs from IANS.