Protesters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar sought refuge in public washrooms and gurdwaras in Delhi to avoid police detainment during a demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The situation raised concerns regarding the appropriateness of using places of worship for political protests. On Saturday, as officers intensified security measures throughout the capital, several protesters were seen frequently moving in and out of religious sites.

Reports indicated that individuals moved into Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj before heading towards Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, and Parliament. When police attempted to detain them, some allegedly returned to these religious sites to evade capture.

This heightened police activity came in response to the anticipated demonstration against Kumar, which called attention to alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of electoral rolls.

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Reacting to the events, Harmeet Singh Kalka, the president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). He stated that protesters had allegedly entered Gurdwara Bangla Sahib despite resistance from the gurdwara management. Kalka expressed surprise that individuals had sat inside the premises with placards and raised slogans.

He argued that if demonstrators are allowed to vocalise their demands within a gurdwara, it leaves the police with limited options for intervention. Kalka questioned the critiques directed towards police actions, emphasising the need for law enforcement’s involvement when religious premises are used for protests. He warned against politicising the incident and insisted that any demonstrations should occur outside of the gurdwara.

The DSGMC has maintained that it prohibits protests within its gurdwara premises to preserve the sanctity of the site, reinforcing that the gurdwara management did not facilitate any such activities.

Protesters Seek Shelter in Connaught Place Washrooms

Amidst the heightened police presence, an unusual scene unfolded at a public washroom in Connaught Place, where more than twenty young protesters allegedly took refuge overnight to escape police scrutiny before the planned march to Jantar Mantar. This group gathered at the washrooms after restrictions were announced, creating a temporary hiding place until police discovered them during routine checks.

According to reports, some protesters had forced open the doors to gain access. Detained individuals were then escorted away in police vehicles, with many covering their faces. Even after being apprehended, some continued to chant slogans and express their discontent within the confines of the vehicles.

The situation exemplified the ongoing attempts by protesters to evade law enforcement, leading to further disturbances in central Delhi as they returned to the streets whenever opportunities presented themselves.

Heavy Security Measures Implemented Throughout Delhi

The detentions took place under a comprehensive security operation instigated by the impending CJP demonstration. Protesters were rallying against Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged discrepancies in the electoral process. Over thirty thousand police and paramilitary personnel were positioned across the city, with the closure of forty-five metro stations and traffic restrictions on thirty road stretches surrounding Jantar Mantar.

Law enforcement set up multiple checkpoints across Delhi, with mandatory identity checks and vehicle inspections at transport hubs and sensitive areas. Steel spikes were also installed to prevent vehicles from circumventing inspections at checkpoints.

Notwithstanding these extensive security measures, protesters persisted in assembling, seeking cover, and returning to demonstrations as police struggled to enforce order amid the unauthorised gatherings. The CJP’s protest highlighted significant concerns regarding voter-registration manipulation, further escalating tensions in the region.

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