NEW DELHI, Oct 16: Delhi Police on Friday preventively detained Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and All India Students’ Association (AISA) chief Neha Bora as supporters gathered for the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march planned at Connaught Place.
Authorities reported that more than 150 people had been detained by evening amid tight security across central Delhi.
Shortly before the scheduled 5 pm gathering at Central Park, more than 20 Delhi Police personnel arrived at Dipke’s residence in Jhandewalan and served him two notices. The first barred him from organising or joining any demonstration, procession or rally near Connaught Place, citing risks of stampede, traffic disruption and threats to public order.
The second, issued by a Special Executive Magistrate, reminded Dipke and CJP co-leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka of the bond conditions imposed after their preventive custody on October 10.
Police sources said the fresh notices followed Dipke’s public appeals and social-media calls urging an assembly at Connaught Place without permission.
Despite the notices, Dipke was detained while preparing to leave for the march and taken to Jafarpur Kalan police station. Bora was picked up at Mandi House.
The detentions triggered brief jostling among crowds, camera crews and security personnel.
Permission for the CJP march had already been refused under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Authorities deployed more than 6,000 police personnel and 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar reviewed arrangements. Central Park was cordoned off; a tear-gas vehicle and a Vajra vehicle stood outside while Rapid Action Force personnel were positioned inside.
The New Delhi Municipal Council closed the park to the public on Friday and Saturday.
Some groups were allowed limited marches under supervision, but the main CJP-led assembly was prevented from taking shape. (PTI)