Internet services have been suspended across New Delhi area as police detained Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Sanjeev Jha and Saurabh Bhardwaj, along with more than 50 protesters, at Jantar Mantar on Friday.
The demonstration was organised by AAP, student unions, activists, political leaders, and civil society representatives demanding accountability and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, reports India TV.
The protest stems from opposition to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the alleged mass deletion of voters.
In response to the call for protest, authorities suspended internet services in the New Delhi area and divided the Jantar Mantar region into 8 to 9 security zones, deploying a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in each zone.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been enforced in New Delhi District, alongside heavy police deployment across Central Delhi.
Speaking to reporters after reaching Jantar Mantar without a car, AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj expressed confidence that a large number of youth, women, and Gen-Z citizens would gather by the afternoon to raise their voices against the Election Commission.
He asserted that protesting is a democratic right, adding that AAP had applied for official permission for a peaceful demonstration six days prior, although police claimed permission had not been granted.
Law enforcement agencies have heightened security on key routes, including Jai Singh Road, Ashok Road, Feroz Shah Road, and Janpath Road, while utilising drone cameras and monitoring social media platforms to maintain oversight.
Public transport has been severely impacted, with entry and exit points closed until further notice at 11 metro stations, including Mandi House.
Traffic Police have issued an advisory to commuters regarding diversions and regulated movement near Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, the General Post Office (GPO), Tolstoy Marg, and Jantar Mantar Road.
