Delhi's barricade blitz ahead of CJP protest; Dhruv Rathee, 150 others detained

Download AppNewsIndiaDelhi's barricade blitz ahead of CJP protest; Dhruv Rathee, 150 others detained Delhi has rolled out an extensive security grid ahead of the CJP stir, deploying 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel, restricting access at 45 metro stations and stepping up surveillance at borders, railway stations, bus terminals and other sensitive locations.Over 300 audio-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed at sensitive spots. (Photo: AFP)New Delhi,Oct 10, 2026 10:38 ISTDelhi woke up to a fortress-like security blanket on Saturday, with barricades sealing key roads, loudspeakers blaring warnings and security personnel fanning out across central Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. As protesters attempted to make their way to Jantar Mantar, Delhi Police detained around 150 people, including YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, who was detained with the assistance of Gurugram Police.With permission denied and prohibitory orders in force, Delhi has tightened security ahead of the CJP stir, with traffic curbs, train cancellations and metro station closures adding to the disruption. The July 20 paper-leak protests, marked by clashes and police action and followed by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, remain a recent flashpoint as Delhi braces for another high-stakes demonstration.DELHI BRACES FOR CJP PROTEST: TOP DEVELOPMENTS150 PROTESTERS DETAINED ACROSS DELHI Delhi Police detained around 150 protesters this morning as they attempted to reach Jantar Mantar for the proposed CJP demonstration. Sources said the detentions took place across the New Delhi area, with police using drones to monitor the movement of people trying to reach the protest site. Ahead of the proposed demonstration, police sources told PTI that more than 600 people with criminal records had been detained across all 15 districts of Delhi as a preventive measure. YOUTUBER DHRUV RATHEE ALSO DETAINED YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, who was supposed to join the CJP protest today, was among those detained with assistance from Gurugram Police. Police have said that no unauthorised gathering would be allowed in the area and that those arriving to participate in the demonstration would be detained and taken to designated detention centres. JANTAR MANTAR TURNS INTO A FORTRESS Security was intensified around Jantar Mantar, with over 25,000 police personnel, paramilitary forces, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed at strategic locations, including members of its Pink Force. Multi-layered barricades were erected along key roads, including Sansad Marg and Tolstoy Road, while personnel equipped with protective gear and rifles stood guard. Some police officers were also seen wearing body cameras. POLICE DENIED PERMISSION FOR CJP PROTEST Delhi Police denied permission for the CJP’s October 10 protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list manipulation during SIR and changes to Form 6. In a letter to the party’s co-convenor Saurav Das and joint secretary Balkrishna, the New Delhi district DCP said the communication was merely an intimation, not a formal application, which must be submitted at least 10 days before a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Police also cited potential law-and-order concerns and inconvenience to residents. POLICE INVOKE CURBS, WARN AGAINST GATHERINGS Prohibitory orders are in force across New Delhi, with loudspeakers warning people to comply with restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Police have stepped up surveillance to track crowd mobilisation, with more than 300 CCTV cameras equipped with audio-recording capabilities installed at sensitive locations. AROUND 7,000 PROTESTERS EXPECTED TO JOIN STIR Delhi Police expects around 7,000 protesters to arrive in the national capital for the proposed demonstration, an official said. Senior officers instructed personnel to exercise maximum restraint, remain calm in the face of provocation and handle the situation professionally. Police also said individuals attempting to provoke personnel or create confrontations could face action. BARRICADES SEAL CENTRAL DELHI Stringent traffic restrictions came into force from 6 am on Saturday, with diversions planned around Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Mandi House, Patel Chowk and several other intersections. Affected stretches include the Ashoka Road-Jantar Mantar Road roundabout, Tolstoy Marg-Janpath crossing, Jai Singh Road-Sansad Marg crossing and Rail Bhawan roundabout. OVER 250 DELHI-BOUND TRAINS CANCELLED Over 250 trains from other states, along with local trains, which were scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday, have been cancelled. Bus terminals have also been placed under heightened security. Liquor shops across Delhi will remain closed on Saturday as a precautionary measure. METRO STATION GATES SHUT, INTERNET SUSPENDED The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced the closure of entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations from 9 pm on Friday until the situation normalised on Saturday. A 24-hour mobile internet suspension in parts of central Delhi also came into effect at 10 pm on Friday, adding to the restrictions imposed ahead of the proposed demonstration. CONNAUGHT PLACE MARKET SHUT The Connaught Place market will also remain shut on Saturday ahead of the proposed protest, the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) said, citing safety concerns and the risk of property damage. NDTA Joint Secretary Amit Gupta said the decision was taken to protect lives and property, noting that thousands of people visit the commercial hub on weekends. The traders’ body estimated that the closure could result in losses worth crores of rupees. Meanwhile, Chamber of Trade and Industry Chairperson Brijesh Goyal put the potential losses for traders at around Rs 2,000 crore. - Ends