New Delhi: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has accused Delhi Police of “kidnapping” him after he was taken from his residence in Gurugram ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.
I was not arrested or detained, I was KIDNAPPED. Thank you for your support, here’s the full story 👇 https://t.co/gcN8cAUOmY
— Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) October 11, 2026
After his release, Rathee shared a video on social media in which he rejected the description of his removal as an arrest or detention, saying, “I was not arrested or detained, I was KIDNAPPED.”
Rathee was picked up from his residence in Sector 56, Gurugram, on Saturday as police stepped up security to prevent protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar for a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Officials said Rathee was released at around 3 am on Sunday. His allegation against the police has not been independently established.
Why Was Dhruv Rathee Picked Up From His Gurugram Residence?
Rathee was taken from his Sector 56 residence ahead of the proposed CJP demonstration in Delhi. The protest was planned over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and called for action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi Police had tightened security across the capital to prevent the gathering from taking place at Jantar Mantar without permission. The operation involved barricading, restrictions and detentions at multiple locations.
A police source reportedly said Rathee could face further detention or legal action if he attempted to reach the protest site despite prohibitory orders.
What Did Dhruv Rathee Say After His Release?
In a video shared after his release, Rathee described the incident as a “kidnapping” rather than an arrest or detention.
His statement challenges the way the police action was characterised. However, the wording reflects Rathee’s account of the incident and should not be treated as a legal finding that a kidnapping took place.
The circumstances of his removal from Gurugram, including the legal grounds cited by the authorities, are central to understanding the dispute.
Who Else Was Detained Ahead Of The CJP Protest?
Rathee was among several people caught up in the security operation ahead of the planned demonstration.
Opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan and Manik Sarkar, were also reported to have been detained while attempting to join the protest.
CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were detained on Saturday. They were produced before a Special Executive Magistrate at Delhi Cantonment on Sunday and subsequently released on surety bonds, with conditions requiring them to maintain peace and good behaviour for one year.
What Action Is Delhi Police Considering After The Protest?
Police officials are also examining incidents involving alleged assaults on personnel during the protest-related developments. Reports indicated that FIRs had been registered or were expected in connection with those incidents.
The allegations concerning assaults and the police action against protesters are separate matters and should be assessed on the basis of official records and evidence.
The episode has added to the political confrontation surrounding the proposed CJP demonstration, electoral roll revision and demands for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
