Delhi Police detained around 150 people on Friday as the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march drew an estimated 2,000 protesters to Connaught Place despite prohibitory restrictions. the intended venue of the march, remained closed to the public, Delhi Police had earlier said it could facilitate a group of 11 people to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location While Central Park.
Party founder Abhijeet Dipke and AISA national president Neha Bora were detained earlier in the day, before the planned march could begin.
Earlier reporting noted: CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke and AISA chief Neha Bora detained ahead of Connaught Place Tiranga march Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and All India Students’ Association (AISA) national president Neha Bora were detained by Delhi Police on Friday ahead of the proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Connaught Place, even as supporters carrying the national flag assembled in nearby areas despite prohibitory restrictions. AISA national president Neha Bora was detained in the Mandi House area, where student activists and Left party workers had gathered ahead of the proposed march. They clarified that displaying the Tricolour was not prohibited, but holding a march or assembly without authorisation at a restricted location was not permitted.
Dipke was detained shortly before the march’s scheduled 5 pm start. Officials said more than 6,000 Delhi Police personnel and 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces were deployed for the demonstrations. Police subsequently said they could facilitate 11 people carrying the national flag and singing the national anthem at a suitable spot, while asking others not to gather. They cited the Section 163 restrictions and the absence of permission for a larger procession. Earlier reporting noted: Officials said Dipke was taken into preventive custody as he left his residence in Jhandewalan to head towards the scheduled 5 pm protest.
The restrictions were intended to prevent unauthorised gatherings, protect commuters and ensure smooth traffic movement through the busy commercial district, according to police. Earlier reporting noted: Police also said the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had not granted permission for the proposed event.
Earlier in the afternoon, police officers visited the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) spokesperson Anish Gawande, where he was staying, and served him a notice directing him not to lead the procession. Police had earlier served him notices, warning him against holding an unauthorised march in the restricted area.
