Protests intensify in Jantar Mantar; Many including M A Baby arrested

NEW DELHI: Protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar are intensifying in Delhi. The clashes broke out during protests staged by youth organisations, including the DYFI and SFI. The police had denied permission for the protest march at Jantar Mantar. Tensions escalated between the police and protesters after they arrived in violation of the restrictions.

CPM general secretary M A Baby, senior leader Brinda Karat, A A Rahim MP, and Jaick C Thomas were arrested and removed from the area by the police. Section 163 has been imposed in the area. All roads within a two-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar have been closed with police barricades.

Traffic through Kerala House has also been completely restricted. As a security measure, 11 metro stations in Delhi have been temporarily closed. Internet services have been suspended in the area. More than 5,000 security personnel, including women police officers, have been deployed in the region.

Meantime, the protests announced by the Cockroach Janta Party and the INDIA alliance will also begin today. The CJP's protest will be held at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. The decision to hold the protest in Mumbai was taken after permission was denied for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar.