India
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Tensions escalated in New Delhi on Saturday during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with two police personnel reportedly injured after a group of demonstrators allegedly pelted stones at them near Connaught Place.
The incident took place near the Press Trust of India (PTI) building, close to Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the All India Students’ Association (AISA) had called for a protest over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.
During protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi on Saturday, two police personnel were injured near Connaught Place due to alleged stone-pelting; key CJP leaders were also detained amid demonstrations over electoral roll irregularities.
According to police, around 50 protesters had gathered at the location when stones were allegedly thrown at security personnel. Two officers sustained injuries, and those present at the spot were taken into custody, police said.
In another incident linked to the demonstration, Delhi Police Sub-Inspector Bajrang Jadhav said he was injured while attempting to apprehend protesters.
“I was pushed while apprehending the rioters, this caused an injury,” Jadhav said when asked about his injuries.
The incidents unfolded amid a sweeping security operation across the national capital, with thousands of police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel deployed ahead of the planned gathering at Jantar Mantar. Authorities have tightened security at key locations and increased surveillance amid concerns over the mobilisation of protesters.
CJP supporters are creating chaos there, breaking barricades and pushing police officers. This is violence, and then they’ll turn around and claim they were holding a peaceful protest …#Jantarmanatar #SayNoToCjp https://t.co/giETScYCZO
— Disha (@Lucid_Direction) October 10, 2026
The demonstration was called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The situation also intensified after CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and co-convenors Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were detained shortly after arriving at Delhi airport. The party has condemned the detentions and vowed to continue its agitation despite the absence of its top leaders.
With several protesters detained and clashes reported in Connaught Place, the developments added to tensions surrounding the planned demonstration in the capital.
