News Desk: Yashaswinee Raje Singh, daughter of former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vikram Singh from Uttar Pradesh, was detained by Delhi Police on Saturday, October 10, amid heightened security surrounding protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Singh said she was detained near Bangla Sahib in the national capital while sitting in a park. In a post on social media platform X, she wrote, “Detained near Bangla Sahib for sitting in a park. Currently being held in Keshav Puram police station.”
The detention took place as authorities intensified security measures to prevent protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar for a demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The protesters have been demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Yashaswinee Raje Singh is the daughter of Vikram Singh, a former MLA who represented the Fatehpur Sadar constituency in Uttar Pradesh. She previously gained prominence during student protests in June and July over alleged examination paper leaks. At the time, protesters had demanded the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Singh actively supported the CJP-led campaign.
Several Protest Leaders Detained
The police action extended to several prominent activists and political leaders on Saturday. CJP founder and convener Abhijeet Dipke, along with co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were detained inside an aircraft after landing at Delhi airport.
Several CPI(M) leaders were also reportedly detained upon arriving at Jantar Mantar. Those named included Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, party general secretary M.A. Baby, M.V. Govindan Master, A. Vijayaraghavan, K.K. Shailaja, John Brittas, K.N. Balagopal, Brinda Karat and P.K. Sreemathi.
All India Students’ Association (AISA) national president Neha Bora was detained near Safdarjung Airport as police continued their efforts to prevent protesters from gathering.
Political activist Yogendra Yadav also expressed concern over the security situation. In a video posted on X, he alleged that an unmarked vehicle was following his group as they travelled towards the protest site. He said he was recording the video in anticipation of possible detention and insisted that the movement would continue.
Delhi Under Heavy Security
More than 40,000 Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel were reportedly deployed across the capital. Barricades and spike strips were installed at key entry points, while roads leading towards Jantar Mantar were blocked.
The protest site was sealed off, including access for media personnel, according to the report. Authorities also issued warnings against unauthorised gatherings, processions and road blockades under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
The detentions and extensive security arrangements intensified the debate over the handling of protests and the right to peaceful assembly in the national capital.
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