Student and political leaders detained as police block Delhi flag march

UPDATE - follow-up to CJP Tiranga protest LIVE | Dipke detained by Delhi Police outside his residence: Cockroach Janta Party leader Abhijeet Dipke and AISA chief Neha Bohra were detained by Delhi Police on Friday on their way to Connaught Place for the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protest. Mr. Dipke was picked up from his home in Jhandewalan while Ms. Bohra was detained at Mandi House in Central Delhi amid heavy security and jostling crowds. Police had earlier served a notice on Mr. Dipke barring the protest, citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 in Connaught Place and nearby areas. The New Delhi Municipal Council also closed Central Park to the public for Friday and Saturday, with police estimating around 2,000 protesters gathered in and around the commercial hub. Protesters including student groups SFI, DYFI, AISF, AIYF and Members of Parliament John Brittas, Dr. V Sivadasan and A.A. Rahim also planned marches carrying the national flag. Other student groups and political figures faced police action across cities. Bengaluru Police denied permission for a CJP march citing a High Court order restricting protests to Freedom Park. Meanwhile, NRAI treasurer Manpreet Singh stated that frequent protests have severely hurt Connaught Place businesses with some days seeing zero sales. JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad criticised a separate Congress march to the Supreme Court over electoral roll issues, calling it pressure on the judiciary.

Context

These detentions come amid strict police enforcement of new rules around public protest sites in the national capital. Business owners in central commercial districts frequently raise concerns over how street demonstrations disrupt retail activity during peak shopping seasons.