Tiranga march LIVE: Dipke, Neha Bora detained; flash protests in New Delhi

Abhijeet Dipke, Neha Bora among over 150 detained amid 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protests

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke and AISA chief Neha Bora were detained by Delhi Police on Friday while on their way to participate in the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protests.

While Dipke was picked up from his residence in Jhandewalan, Bora was detained at Mandi House. The detentions triggered scenes of jostling among crowds, camera crews and security personnel.

Police also began detaining protesters who had reached Connaught Place. "Those attempting to disrupt law and order are being detained,” a police officer said, adding that around 150 people have been detained so far.

Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar visited the DCP New Delhi office at Parliament Street police station to review security arrangements.

“We have detained Dipke and Bora. The situation is very peaceful. Some protesters have reached Connaught Place and will be removed soon. Our main objective is to maintain law and order and ensure smooth traffic movement,” a senior police officer had said.

Security personnel cordoned off Central Park in Connaught Place, forming a human chain along its metal railings. A tear gas vehicle and a Vajra vehicle were stationed outside the park, while Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed inside.

Several traffic police personnel were also deployed to regulate movement along the inner and outer circles of Connaught Place.

Abhijeet Dipke's detention nothing short of 'undeclared Emergency': Mamata

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday criticised the preventive detention of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke by the Delhi Police, asserting it was “nothing short of an undeclared Emergency”. 

Dipke and AISA chief Neha Bora were detained while on their way to participate in the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protests in the national capital.

“WHAT IS DELHI POLICE UP TO? Abhijeet Dipke has been detained for holding the Indian National Flag. Let that sink in. In Independent India, our youth are being detained for peacefully asserting their democratic rights.

“This is nothing short of an undeclared Emergency. A government that fears dissent is now trying to intimidate an entire generation into silence. This is the conduct of a fascist regime that cannot tolerate a voice it cannot control,” Banerjee said in a post on X.

Dipke was taken to Jafarpur Kalan police station after being detained, sources said.

Earlier in the day, more than 20 Delhi Police personnel had visited Dipke’s residence in Jhandewalan, and served him a notice directing him to refrain from any action that could prejudice the rights of citizens, traders, commuters, patients and others.

CJP holds ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest in Mumbai

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activists on Friday held a ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

Social activist Anjali Damania, who addressed the protesters, sought accountability for the “brutality” by the Delhi Police towards protesters in the national capital.

MNS leader Sandip Deshpande, who was also present, said the Modi-led government is trying to distract public attention from burining issues like inflation and rising unemployment. Several CJP supporters and members of student organisations carrying the national flag shouted slogans against the government.

Mumbai police had granted CJP permission to organise its 'Lehra Do Tiranga' rally at Azad Maidan, an official said.

The protest was organised to express solidarity with CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, who were sent to five-day judicial custody on Wednesday after entering Jantar Mantar in the national capital and raising slogans demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

Kejriwal slams detention of CJP, AISA leaders ahead of Tiranga march

Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal criticised the detention of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and AISA activist Neha Bora as they headed to the Tiranga march in Delhi. Reacting to the detentions in a post on X, he said, “If we won't hoist the tricolour in our own country, then will we hoist it in Pakistan? Those who have a problem with the Indian tricolor should go to Pakistan.”

Left student and youth groups defy police restrictions to hold Tiranga march

Workers of SFI, DYFI, AISF and AIYF took part in the Tiranga march. CPI(M) MP John Brittas said the protesters had defied Delhi Police restrictions to reach central Delhi and uphold the Tricolour, adding that they would not be deterred by the authorities.

Delhi Police detain 150 protesters amid CJP’s Tiranga march

Around 150 protesters have been detained so far, Delhi Police sources said. The detentions come amid protests in the national capital over the CJP’s ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ call, with restrictions in place in Connaught Place and security tightened around Central Park.

Delhi traders flag protest-related losses during festive season

Frequent protests and traffic disruptions in Delhi are affecting businesses during the festive season, with traders flagging loss of customers, falling sales and mounting financial pressure and urging authorities to ensure that demonstrations do not disrupt commercial activity.

National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) treasurer Manpreet Singh said frequent protests in and around Connaught Place have significantly affected businesses, with some establishments recording zero sales on certain days.

Concerns over the impact of protests on trade were also raised by market associations, with the Federation Lajpat Nagar Traders Association (LNTA) writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking compensation for losses allegedly suffered during the October 10 protest and restrictions on demonstrations during the festive season.

His remarks came as the Cockroach Janta Party called for a 'Tiranga March' at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday evening. Singh said the announcement of demonstrations itself discourages people from visiting the popular shopping and dining hub, even when there are no restrictions on movement in the area.

"People are afraid to come here. They do not want to get involved in a protest or find themselves in a difficult situation," he said, adding that customers tend to avoid Connaught Place when they have other options. He said the impact was particularly significant during the festive season, when families usually visit the area for shopping, entertainment and dining.

Gopal Rai says Tiranga march will continue until Gyanesh Kumar resigns

AAP leader Gopal Rai said the Tricolour was a matter of national pride and accused the government of authoritarianism, alleging that two youths had been jailed for hoisting the flag. 

‘Neha Bora taken to unknown location’, claims post on her X account

A post made on AISA activist Neha Bora's X account said that she was detained and taken to an “unknown location”.

“They don't have their phone! Delhi Police must answer: where is Neha? Once again an abduction, not detention!,” the post further said.

‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march held in Bengaluru amid Delhi crackdown

People took to the streets in Bengaluru for the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest, echoing the CJP’s call for a Tiranga march in Delhi. The protest in the national capital faced restrictions, with Section 163 in force in Connaught Place and police detaining CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ahead of the planned gathering at Central Park.