Delhi Police Detain 500 Protesters Targeting Election Commission

Delhi Police and security forces detained over 500 people on October 2, 2026, during protests against the Election Commission of India and the tenure of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrations, organized by groups including the Students' Federation of India, the Democratic Youth Federation of India, the NSUI, and the All India Students’ Association, targeted the Special Intensive Revision exercise.

MA Baby, General Secretary of the CPI(M), demanded the arrest of Kumar for allegedly cutting people's votes, while CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat called for the immediate halt of the revision exercise and the removal of the CEC. Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj and former Chief Minister Atishi Marlena, joined the protests and were subsequently detained. Bharadwaj characterized the struggle as a fight for democracy and freedom.

Authorities enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, deploying 4,000 personnel, drones, and barricades to block access to Jantar Mantar. To restrict movement, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation closed entry and exit gates at 12 stations, and internet services were disrupted in the vicinity. The Aam Aadmi Party condemned the crackdown as an attempt to suppress democratic dissent.