YouTuber Dhruv Rathee taken into custody; CPM leaders detained during protest in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Massive security arrangements are in place at Delhi's Jantar Mantar ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Over 20,000 security personnel have been deployed across the area. The police have not granted permission for the protest. As a measure to maintain law and order, more than 400 people have already been taken into custody across the capital.

Meanwhile, prominent YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was taken into police custody from his home in Gurugram around 7:30 this morning. CJP confirmed the news of the detention with the remark, "That dictator fears young people who question his wrongdoings and refuse to remain silent."

Police took several individuals, including CPM leaders, in custody. The leaders were in Delhi to express solidarity with the protest. Those taken into custody included CPM General Secretary M.A. Baby, CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan, Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, John Brittas MP, and CPM leaders K.N. Balagopal, C.S. Sujatha, P. Rajeev, P.K. Sreemathi, and K.K. Shailaja.

In connection with the protest, the gates of 45 Delhi Metro stations—including Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, and Kashmere Gate—have been closed. More than 250 trains—including both long-distance trains from other states and local trains—scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4:00 AM and 2:00 PM today have been cancelled.