Ahead of the anti-CEC protest, Delhi Police arrested at least 100 people with criminal records in a night-time operation

A closed view of Jahangir Puri Metro Station as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that entry and exit gates at 57 stations will remain closed from 09:00 PM on October 9, 2026 and throughout October 10, 2026 until further notice due to security reasons.. | Photo credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

Delhi Police nabbed at least 100 people with criminal records in night-time operations in 15 districts, sources told The Hindu. They were allegedly suspected of joining the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday (October 10, 2026) amid the ongoing Election Commission row.

Also Read: Delhi Protests Against CEC LIVE

As a preventive measure, at least 100 people with a criminal record were detained in 15 districts of the capital, the source added.

The Delhi Police had earlier refused permission for the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar, citing alleged non-compliance with conditions agreed during an earlier demonstration. Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Nupur Prasad said on Friday (Oct 9, 2026) that the permission was sought at the last minute, whereas according to rules it should be cleared at least 10 days before the protest.

Claiming that she was informing the police rather than seeking permission, the CJP argued that Jantar Mantar was a designated place for protests and that the police should facilitate peaceful gatherings. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das submitted the letter at the Parliament Street police station and received a confirmation, according to the organizers.

As Delhi prepares for a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, traffic diversions will be in place from 6 am on Saturday (October 10, 2026) to affect movement at 30 key locations in Delhi, police said.

Authorities also took several other measures ahead of the protest, including restricting the internet in parts of Delhi, closing markets and metro stations and canceling dozens of trains bound for the capital.

(With PTI inputs)

Published – 10 Oct 2026 07:39 IST