'Lehra do Tiranga' march: Delhi Police detain CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke

Delhi Police took Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke into preventive custody on Friday, October 16, ahead of the party’s planned ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march in Connaught Place. The development triggered protests, with demonstrators attempting to block the police vehicle carrying Dipke as officers took him away.

The detention came hours after Delhi Police personnel reached Dipke’s residence to serve him a notice, asking him not to proceed with the proposed march. The police cited prohibitory orders in force in the Connaught Place area and the absence of permission for the gathering.

The CJP had planned the march at Central Park in Connaught Place at 5 pm, with supporters expected to assemble and wave the national flag. The party has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

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Delhi Police serve notice to Abhijeet Dipke

Earlier in the day, a police team visited the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) spokesperson Anish Gawande, where Dipke was staying. The personnel served him a notice informing him that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were in force in the Connaught Place and Central Park areas.

The notice reportedly stated that no permission had been granted for the proposed march and warned against proceeding with the gathering in violation of the restrictions.

Police cited concerns about public safety, traffic congestion, emergency access and possible disruption to commercial activity in Connaught Place, one of Delhi’s major business and shopping hubs.

Dipke questions allegations, says he is ready to face action

During the interaction, Dipke was seen questioning the allegations mentioned in the notice and challenging the police to produce evidence that he had instigated violence. In a video of the encounter, he questioned the officers about the accusations against him.

“Kya aarop laga diya hai aapne mere upar?” (What kind of accusation have you levelled against me?)

He also objected to the wording of the notice and accused the authorities of making allegations without providing evidence. “Ye kya mazak laga rakha hai aap logon ne. Kya notice hai, ye notice hota hai? Jo maan main aaye woh likhe ja rahe ho aap log.” (What kind of a joke is this that you people are playing? What is this 'notice'? Is this what you call a notice? You're just writing down whatever you feel like?)

Dipke further challenged the police to show evidence of him instigating violence. “Phansi pe chadha do na. Kya mazak hai ye.” (Go ahead, hang me. What kind of a joke is this?)

He added: “Video aap ek nahi dikha payenge.” (You won't be able to show even one video.)

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Central Park closed, security tightened

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) announced that Central Park in Connaught Place would remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17, citing administrative reasons. The decision came ahead of the proposed gathering.

Delhi Police also cited concerns about traffic congestion, public safety and disruption to businesses in Connaught Place, one of the capital's major commercial centres. The New Delhi Traders Association urged political parties and protesters to choose another location, stating that demonstrations had affected business activity and the livelihoods of shopkeepers and other workers.