More than 150 protesters reportedly detained during the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ demonstrations; CJP and AISA raise concerns over access to lawyers
NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and All India Students Association (AISA) president Neha Bora were among the protesters detained by Delhi Police on Friday, October 16, ahead of planned demonstrations in central Delhi.
The protests, held under the banner “Lehra Do Tiranga” were organised amid an ongoing campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.
According to reports published by PTI and other media organisations, more than 150 people were detained during the police operation. Delhi Police said the action was intended to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth movement of traffic.
Abhijeet Dipke Detained Before Planned March
- Dipke was detained in the Jhandewalan area while heading towards Connaught Place, where the CJP had planned a demonstration involving the national flag.
- According to The Indian Express and PTI reports, police had served him a notice earlier in the day asking him not to proceed with the planned protest.
- The CJP subsequently alleged that Dipke had been taken to an undisclosed location and that the organisation was unable to contact him. It also raised concerns about his access to legal counsel and requested that Delhi Police disclose his location and the grounds for his preventive detention.
- A PTI report cited police sources as saying Dipke had been taken to Jafarpur Kalan police station. However, the later reports reviewed for this article did not establish his subsequent location or confirm his release.
Neha Bora Also Detained
- Neha Bora, president of AISA, was also detained while attempting to participate in the demonstrations.
- AISA alleged that Bora was initially taken to an Anti Narcotics Task Force facility in the South-West district and was subsequently moved elsewhere. The organisation questioned the lack of clarity regarding her location and raised concerns about access to lawyers and associates.
- The Times of India, reporting on October 17, carried AISA’s claim that Bora had been held for several hours without clear information about her whereabouts.
- These concerns were reported as allegations by the student organisation. The reports reviewed for this article did not provide a definitive, independently confirmed update on Bora’s release.
Why Were Students and Activists Protesting?
- The demonstrations are part of a wider campaign by the CJP, student organisations and other groups calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Protesters have alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and questioned the deletion of large numbers of voter names.
- The Election Commission has denied favouring any political party and has said that voters whose names were wrongly removed can seek re-enrolment. The BJP has also rejected allegations that the electoral process is being manipulated for its benefit.
- These competing positions remain central to the political dispute surrounding the voter-list revision.
Heavy Security in Central Delhi
- Delhi Police deployed additional personnel around Connaught Place and restricted access to Central Park ahead of the proposed march. Security arrangements included barricades and additional forces in the area.
- Despite the restrictions, groups of protesters gathered in and around central Delhi, with some carrying the national flag. Reports also described detentions at locations including Connaught Place and Mandi House.
- The police action prompted criticism from opposition leaders and organisations associated with the protests, who called for clarity regarding the detained individuals and access to legal assistance.
Latest Status as of October 17
As of the latest reports reviewed for this article:
- Abhijeet Dipke: Detention was confirmed by multiple media reports. CJP questioned his whereabouts, but his subsequent location and release status were not independently confirmed in the reports reviewed.
- Neha Bora: Her detention was also reported by multiple outlets. AISA raised concerns about her location and access to lawyers; a definitive release confirmation was not found.
- Other protesters: Media reports said more than 150 people were detained during the demonstrations.
- Police position: Delhi Police said the detentions were intended to maintain law and order and manage traffic.
Business Galaxy will update this report if reliable information or an official statement confirms any subsequent developments.
Source: PTI, The Indian Express, The New Indian Express, Hindustan Times and India Today, reports published October 16-17, 2026.
Editorial note: Allegations concerning detention procedures and access to lawyers have been attributed to the relevant organisations. No allegation of unlawful conduct is presented as an established finding.
