30 Protesters Heading to Delhi for CJP Rally Detained by Madhya Pradesh Police
Police intercept passengers from Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra at Bhopal, Itarsi and Gwalior ahead of October 10 protest against SIR
Bhopal: At least 30 people travelling to New Delhi to participate in a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) have been intercepted and detained by Madhya Pradesh Police at Bhopal, Itarsi and Gwalior ahead of the demonstration scheduled for October 10.
According to a senior police officer, those detained include people travelling from Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. The officer said they were being counselled and asked to return to their respective home states.
The protest has been called against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The organisers have planned a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
At Itarsi railway station, police, the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) intercepted a group travelling from Pune aboard the Goa Express on Thursday. Railway police officials said 21 people were detained after authorities received information that a large group of young people travelling to Delhi could pose a public order concern. They were taken to a local hotel and asked to return to Pune.
The detentions come amid increased security measures ahead of the protest. Delhi Police has denied permission for the gathering, citing restrictions on public assemblies. Authorities have also announced measures affecting railway services and several Delhi Metro stations ahead of the demonstration.
Protesters and student activists have alleged that police action across several states is preventing them from reaching Delhi to participate in the demonstration. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka had claimed on Thursday night that 10,000 people had been detained across the country. That figure is an allegation by the organisation and has not been independently verified.
The planned demonstration is part of a wider campaign raising concerns over the SIR process and demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations of deliberate manipulation of voter lists.