Delhi Police has registered multiple FIRs over alleged violations of prohibitory orders during protests held across the capital on Friday, October 16. Despite repeated warnings, crowds gathered around Connaught Place and other parts of central Delhi. The demonstrations were held against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Police officials said action would be taken against those violating restrictions, particularly those who repeatedly ignore official warnings.


CCTV Footage to Help Identify Violators

Police officials said more than two FIRs have been registered under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), with further cases likely. Areas including Mandi House, Connaught Place and Barakhamba Road are being monitored through video recordings and CCTV footage. Officials said people had been repeatedly asked not to assemble in restricted areas, but crowds continued to gather. Police are examining available footage to identify those who allegedly violated the orders and have warned that repeated violations could lead to further legal action.


Tricolour Rally Held Outside Central Park

The police action followed a tricolour rally outside Central Park in Connaught Place, where security arrangements were tightened. Aam Aadmi Party workers and supporters also gathered to protest against the Election Commission over alleged irregularities in the electoral process. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), had called on people to assemble at Central Park on October 16 under the “Lehra Do Tiranga” campaign and hoist the national flag. However, restrictions on public gatherings were in force in the area.


Around 150 Protesters Taken Into Custody

Delhi Police detained around 150 protesters during demonstrations in central Delhi, officials said. Those detained included Dipke, who was taken into custody before the proposed rally while leaving the residence of NCP-SP spokesperson Anish Gawande. Police reportedly informed him that the detention was preventive and linked to the prohibitory orders in Connaught Place. Officials had also issued him two notices, including one under Section 163 of the BNSS restricting his visit to Central Park and another related to an earlier bond violation proceeding.


AISA President Neha Bora Released

Police also detained members of the All India Students Association (AISA) and left-wing groups who were protesting near Mandi House. They were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. AISA national president Neha Bora, who was detained on Friday evening, was released after formal procedures under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act were completed. Following her release, Bora criticised the police response and alleged that ordinary citizens were being treated like hardened criminals during the protests.


Bora Questions Detention and Demands Action on SIR

Bora also questioned the legality of keeping protesters in custody overnight. She alleged that she was initially not allowed to consult a lawyer and claimed her legal team spent five to six hours trying to contact her. Criticising the restrictions imposed in central Delhi, she demanded impeachment proceedings against Gyanesh Kumar and called for the suspension of the SIR exercise. She argued that restrictions were disrupting daily life and raised concerns about voters’ rights. These remain her allegations and demands, while police have maintained that action was taken over violations of prohibitory orders.