NEW DELHI: Tensions gripped central Delhi on Friday as security forces detained approximately 150 people, including Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora, during the high-profile 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march.

The demonstration was called by the CJP to protest the recent judicial custody of party co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, and to voice dissent against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

Heavy Security and Prohibitory Orders

Ahead of the proposed 5:00 PM march at Central Park in Connaught Place, the Delhi Police enforced stringent security measures. More than 6,000 police personnel and multiple companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed across the New Delhi district. Central Park was abruptly closed to the public for two days, and authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning large gatherings in the commercial hub.

Police served advance notices to key organizers, warning them that Connaught Place was not a designated protest site. Local traders had also raised concerns that unauthorized demonstrations severely hurt retail and restaurant business during the festive season.

Detentions Spark Outcry

Despite the heavy crackdown, pockets of protesters, student groups, and opposition parliamentarians managed to gather near Mandi House, Janpath, and the Inner Circle of Connaught Place, waving the national flag and shouting slogans.

As Abhijeet Dipke stepped out to join the demonstration, he was swiftly intercepted and placed under preventive detention by police. In a video released prior to his detention, Dipke questioned the move, asking how walking alone with the tricolour could constitute a violation of the law. Similarly, student leader Neha Bora was picked up during a flash protest at Mandi House.

The sudden detentions drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the police action on social media, describing it as an "undeclared Emergency" where citizens are barred from peacefully asserting their democratic rights. Left MPs, including CPI(M)'s John Brittas, also questioned authorities over the temporary lack of communication regarding the detainees' whereabouts.

While authorities maintained that the swift action was necessary to preserve public order and ease severe traffic gridlocks, student bodies and CJP supporters vowed to continue their peaceful resistance against what they termed an abuse of state power.