Stories
Jantar Mantar Erupts: Over 500 Detained, Internet Suspended, 12 Metro Stations Shut Amid Protests
- •More than 500 protesters were detained at Jantar Mantar during demonstrations against the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- •Mobile internet services were suspended for 12 hours in the Jantar Mantar area, and 12 Delhi Metro stations were closed due to the protests.
- •The protests, organized by groups like AISA, SFI, and DYFI, demanded Kumar's resignation over the Election Commission's functioning and electoral roll revisions.
- •Delhi Police denied permission for the protest, imposing restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS, leading to heavy barricading and traffic diversions.
- •Several political leaders and activists, including AAP leaders and Yogendra Yadav, were detained during the high-drama events.
Key Questions Answered
Protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over concerns regarding the Election Commission's functioning, electoral rolls, and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The demonstration was organized by various student groups, political activists, and opposition leaders who criticized decisions made by Kumar.
Delhi Police detained over 500 protesters and deployed heavy barricading, Central Armed Police Forces, and BSF personnel. Mobile internet services were suspended within a 1.5-km radius of Jantar Mantar from 9 am to 9 pm, and 12 metro stations were temporarily shut down with entry and exit restrictions.
Several prominent political figures and student leaders were detained by Delhi Police, including AAP leaders Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Anurag Dhanda, and Kuldeep Kumar, alongside RJD leader Manoj Jha and activist Yogendra Yadav. AISA leader Neha Bora and NSUI national president Vinod Jhakhar were also among those stopped or taken into custody.
