NEW DELHI — Police in the national capital took Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke into custody from his residence on Friday afternoon, thwarting a planned public rally titled “Lehra Do Tiranga” through central Delhi’s major commercial sector.
The pre-emptive enforcement marks the second time within seven days that the political organizer has been taken into police custody, following his earlier detention at Delhi airport after returning from Mumbai to participate in demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Key Takeaways
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Home Detention: Law enforcement personnel intercepted CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke at his home shortly before he was scheduled to begin an unauthorized procession.
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Prohibitory Orders Active: Authorities issued a formal legal notice under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), pointing out active public gathering restrictions across Connaught Place and the absence of municipal clearances.
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Protest Escalation: The proposed rally follows the five-day judicial remand of organization members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were arrested for staging a flag-waving demonstration at the recently denotified Jantar Mantar site.
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Flag Code Warnings: Police officials advised the political organizer that while holding the national flag is entirely lawful, organizing unpermitted mass gatherings in restricted zones violates public safety regulations.
Legal Clearances and Prohibitory Notices
Prior to taking Dipke into custody, visiting police officers served an administrative order outlining strict prohibitions against unpermitted public gatherings and political rallies in the New Delhi Municipal Council area.
Law enforcement personnel clarified that while carrying the national tricolor is protected, assembling crowds without prior municipal permission constitutes a statutory violation, warning that participants would face immediate legal action under local security mandates.
Tense Exchange During Legal Service
Documented video footage recorded inside the residence showed the CJP founder examining the administrative order while questioning police officers regarding the legal grounds for his restraint.
“Kya aarop laga diya hai aapne mere upar (What kind of accusation have you leveled against me?)” Dipke questioned officers as he reviewed the legal notice, draped in a national flag.
The police action highlights an expanding administrative crackdown on unauthorized political marches across central Delhi following the recent closure of traditional protest grounds at Jantar Mantar.
