CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke detained by Delhi Police before planned Tiranga march

UPDATE - follow-up to CJP Tiranga protest LIVE | CJP asks protesters to wave national flag at Connaught Place 'to show it is not a crime': Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke outside the residence where he was staying as he stepped out on Friday, October 16, 2026. According to Hindustan Times - India, officers placed him under preventive detention citing Section 163 prohibitory orders in force in Connaught Place, after serving him official paperwork restricting the proposed gathering. Over 20 police personnel visited the location before the scheduled 5 p.m. 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march at Central Park.

Police Action and Alternate Plans

The march was called to demand the release of jailed CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, alongside the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. Police denied permission due to traffic and public safety concerns, while the New Delhi Municipal Council closed Central Park for the weekend. Following the detention, the party urged supporters to visit Connaught Place in groups of under five, photograph themselves with the national flag, and post the images online after leaving.

Broader Repercussions

Traders reported severe business losses in Connaught Place due to frequent protests, with NRAI treasurer Manpreet Singh stating that some days saw zero sales and shoppers stayed away during the festive season. Meanwhile, Bengaluru Police also blocked a parallel CJP march, and other political groups including AISA and AAP held separate demonstrations in the capital.

Context

Preventive detention powers under local legal codes are frequently used by law enforcement authorities in major urban centres to maintain public order during tense political demonstrations. Such actions typically aim to preempt potential traffic gridlock and security risks when large crowds converge on commercial hubs without official clearance.