UPDATED: Oct 16, 2026 17:53 IST
A major face-off broke out near Mandi House and Barakhamba Road in central Delhi as police and paramilitary forces intercepted Left leaders and students attempting to march towards Connaught Place to unfurl the national tricolour. Security personnel detained several demonstrators, including Left leader Dipankar Bhattacharya and student activist Neha Bora. Ground reports indicated heavy deployment of forces creating rings to contain crowds after pushbacks occurred outside the Indian Council of World Affairs. Meanwhile, pro-BJP protesters were also present nearby chanting slogans, creating dual flashpoints across the Mandi House corridor as detentions continued.
Read More
LATEST VIDEOS
Abhijeet Dipke: 'All I Want to Do Is Hold My Tiranga'; Detained Ahead of CP Demo
Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke ahead of his planned demonstration at Central Park in Connaught Place. Visuals showed police officers interacting with Dipke for several hours inside a residence, where he was served a notice and made to sign papers committing to maintaining public peace. Dipke questioned police priorities, urging them to focus on crimes against women and criminal elements in the capital rather than stopping citizens from waving the national flag. As Dipke walked out holding the Tricolour to head to Connaught Place alone, Delhi Police placed him under preventive custody and escorted him into a police vehicle.
Delhi Police on Flag Code of Conduct, Protests and Online Targeting
Delhi Police addressed protocols regarding the Flag Code and the targeting of personnel on social media. The official clarified that no request or communication had been received for specific individuals on the matter. Emphasising adherence to the Flag Code, the officer noted that rules for hoisting the national flag with respect are in the public domain and were highlighted through a social media post. Furthermore, the official condemned social media handles sharing personal details, photos, and videos of on-duty police personnel following protests, calling the breach of privacy unlawful and unacceptable.
Abhijeet Dipke Detained, Connaught Place Fortified Amid High Security and Tiranga Gathering
Delhi Police heightened security and fortified the inner circle of Connaught Place following reports that Abhijeet Dipke was taken into detention or preventive custody, mirroring previous actions taken against Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. While arterial roads and Rajiv Chowk metro station remained accessible, paramilitary forces were deployed across the area amid growing unease. Several citizens arrived carrying the Indian Tricolour, asserting their right to unfurl the national flag despite heavy police presence.
Abhijeet Dipke Detained by Delhi Police Ahead of Scheduled Tiranga Rally at Connaught Place
Delhi Police placed Abhijeet Dipke under preventive detention minutes ahead of his planned Tiranga rally in Connaught Place. Footage showed Dipke questioning officers regarding the grounds for his detention, stating he had arrived alone and had not committed any legal violation. Police personnel informed him that protests were barred in the area and confirmed preventive action was being executed against him.