Bollywood actor Imran Khan was among approximately 400 people detained in Mumbai during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at August Kranti Maidan. The demonstration was part of a wider protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with rallies and detentions also reported in the national capital.
In New Delhi, nearly 1,500 people were reportedly detained as police tightened security ahead of the CJP’s planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday. The protest targeted the Chief Election Commissioner, although further details regarding the specific demands and police action were awaited.
Among those reportedly detained in Delhi were Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, and All India Students’ Association (AISA) leader Neha Bora.
Activists Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan were also reportedly detained while attempting to reach Dilli Haat, amid heightened security restrictions in areas surrounding Jantar Mantar.
Earlier, CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained by Delhi Police shortly after arriving at the airport ahead of the planned demonstration.
The detentions took place amid extensive security arrangements and restrictions in Delhi. Several journalists were also reportedly detained near Jantar Mantar. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show journalists displaying their press credentials while being transported on buses.
Further details regarding the detentions, the police response and the status of those taken into custody were awaited.