Tensions escalated in New Delhi on Friday as police detained numerous activists, including Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora, ahead of planned demonstrations. Authorities had previously denied permission for the events, citing prohibitory orders and the need to maintain law and order in the city.
The detention of the two prominent figures triggered immediate concern from their respective organizations. The CJP alleged on social media that Dipke had been taken to an undisclosed location and that his associates had lost contact with him. Party leaders expressed frustration over the lack of communication, stating that Dipke was not being allowed to speak with his legal counsel. A formal inquiry was sent by CJP leader Rohan Deshpande to the station house officer of the Mandir Marg police station, seeking clarification on the legal grounds for the detention and the current whereabouts of the founder.
Meanwhile, the AISA reported that their president, Neha Bora, had been traced to the RK Puram police station late on Thursday night. According to the organization, Bora was allegedly moved between multiple locations across Delhi for approximately five hours before arriving at the station. AISA representatives claimed that lawyers were eventually able to meet her around midnight, though they alleged she was being denied necessary medicines despite being unwell. Concerns were also raised by political figures, including CPI(M) MP John Brittas, who questioned the circumstances surrounding her detention, noting she had been taken away without her mobile phone.
Delhi Police officials confirmed that the detentions were part of a broader effort to manage public order. According to police sources, Dipke was apprehended in Jhandewalan while travelling toward Connaught Place, while Bora was picked up at Mandi House. Officials stated that approximately 150 people were detained throughout the city to ensure the smooth movement of traffic and prevent the potential for civil unrest in restricted zones.
Security measures remained heightened across the national capital following the police actions. Central Park was cordoned off, and the Rapid Action Force was deployed to secure the area, as authorities moved to enforce the bans on large gatherings. The crackdown follows the announcement of the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march, which the CJP had scheduled to take place at Connaught Place.
As of early Friday, the exact legal provisions cited for the continued detention of various individuals remained a point of contention between the organizers and law enforcement. Supporters of the detained leaders have continued to call for transparency, urging the government to disclose the locations of all those held and to provide them with access to legal representation. The police have maintained that these measures were necessary to prevent a breach of public peace.
The situation remains fluid as legal teams for the detained activists continue to seek further information from the authorities. The controversy surrounding these detentions has reignited a debate regarding the rights of protesters and the scope of police powers in handling demonstrations in the capital. There has been no immediate announcement from the police regarding when the detainees might be released or if further legal action is pending.
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