UPDATED: Oct 16, 2026 17:57 IST
High drama unfolded across central Delhi as demonstrations broke out outside Central Park in Connaught Place and shifted towards Mandi House. Demonstrators gathered to oppose protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, arguing that creating anarchy under the pretext of unfurling the national flag is unacceptable and calling for him to be honoured with the Bharat Ratna instead. Meanwhile, Delhi Police stepped up security across the heavily fortified central area, placing Abhijit Dipke under preventive detention. Following police action, student body activists from the left wing altered their march from Connaught Place towards Mandi House amid heightened police vigilance.
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Delhi Face-Off: Left Leaders Detained, Mandi House Flashpoint & Pro-BJP Chants
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.
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.