Mass detentions, journalist arrests as Delhi police move to block protest
Summary
Delhi Police detained protesters, journalists and lawyers across the capital to block a youth-led demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition leaders and rights groups condemned the sweeping restrictions, calling them an attack on democracy and peaceful protest.
Key Points
- Delhi Police and central forces detained protest organisers, journalists and lawyers and imposed sweeping restrictions across Delhi to stop a demonstration over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Arvind Kejriwal, Shashi Tharoor and other opposition figures condemned the crackdown, while the BJP accused opponents of trying to destabilise the country.
- Several journalists from The Wire, Scroll and Newslaundry were detained or nearly detained while covering the protest.
- Lawyers, activists and bar associations also reported detentions and criticized the restrictions as unconstitutional.
