Left Leaders Detained by Delhi Police During Protests

Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Rajya Sabha member John Brittas, and former state minister K.N. Balagopal were detained by Delhi Police from Kerala House near Jantar Mantar. The detentions happened during protests called by the Cockroach Janata Party, which had the support of the Left, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Detention Details

John Brittas stated that police kept them in a small jeep and drove them around Delhi roads for three and a half hours without telling them where they were going. Brittas noted that Pinarayi Vijayan is a senior citizen undergoing medication, and police failed to show basic civility regarding his health needs. The leaders were eventually taken to Mandir Marg police station by 5:30 pm.

Ground Situation

Brittas described the city as being under a virtual police rule with blocked roads and heavy security deployment estimated at over 48,000 personnel. He noted that he was stopped at six to seven places while trying to travel from his residence to Kerala House. Protests were also seen in old Delhi areas where students raising slogans faced harsh police action, and CJP leadership including Abhijit Dipke was reportedly picked up from a flight.

Context

This follows an earlier report, covered earlier on 10 Oct 2026: ''All of Delhi is Jantar Mantar for us now. The entire country is Jantar Mantar': John Brittas'. The ongoing protests involve a wide spectrum of society including politicians, activists, and former bureaucrats. Left parties plan to continue their agitation across the country in the coming days.