Gurugram: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has been released from detention after being taken into custody ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. He was reportedly warned against joining the demonstration again.
Rathee was detained by police from his residence in Gurugram on Saturday morning, October 10, as authorities stepped up security measures to prevent protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar. The CJP had planned the demonstration to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
According to reports, police had advised Rathee not to participate in the protest, citing restrictions on unauthorised gatherings in the national capital. However, he had indicated on social media that he intended to attend the demonstration.
Dhruv Rathee Detained Ahead of Delhi Protest
Rathee’s detention came amid a wider preventive action by authorities ahead of the CJP protest. Several party leaders, activists and other protesters were also detained as security was tightened across Delhi.
CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport while travelling to attend the demonstration. Police also took action against other individuals associated with the planned protest.
The authorities had denied permission for the gathering and introduced security restrictions, roadblocks and traffic diversions to prevent a large crowd from assembling at Jantar Mantar.
CJP Protest Over Electoral Roll Revision
The CJP’s proposed demonstration centred on allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The party and its supporters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the issue.
Rathee had also participated in a CJP-linked protest in Bengaluru on October 8, before travelling to Delhi for the planned demonstration.
His release comes as the dispute over the proposed protest and the detention of participants continues to draw attention. The CJP has maintained its opposition to the restrictions imposed ahead of the demonstration.