New Delhi: Delhi Police personnel reached the residence of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday, October 16, and served him a notice ahead of the organisation’s proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Connaught Place’s Central Park. The development came hours before the planned gathering, scheduled for 5 pm, where CJP supporters were called upon to assemble with the national flag.
Dipke questioned the police action, asking whether carrying the Tricolour and raising it in public could be treated as a crime. The police notice barred him from holding the proposed march at Connaught Place, with authorities citing restrictions on public gatherings and the absence of the required permission.
The incident has added to the tension surrounding CJP’s ongoing agitation, which includes demands for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Why Did Delhi Police Reach Abhijeet Dipke’s Residence?
According to reports, a team of Delhi Police personnel visited the residence where Dipke was staying and served him notices related to the proposed demonstration. The action followed his announcement that CJP supporters would gather at Central Park for the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ programme.
Dipke questioned the basis for the restrictions while speaking to the officers. He also alleged that the police had accused him of engaging in unlawful activity and provoking people by carrying the national flag.
The police cited restrictions imposed in the Connaught Place area and the lack of permission for the proposed gathering. Central Park was also closed to the public on October 16 and 17, while security arrangements were tightened across central Delhi.
The available reports confirm that Dipke was served a notice barring the march. They do not establish that a formal house-arrest order had been issued.
What Is the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ March?
The CJP had called on supporters to assemble at Central Park in Connaught Place at 5 pm on Friday and raise the national flag. The programme came amid the organisation’s protests against the Election Commission and its demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The agitation has also followed the detention and judicial custody of CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka after earlier demonstrations. The organisation has been seeking accountability over alleged electoral irregularities, including concerns about voter rolls.
The Election Commission has faced allegations from protesters regarding electoral processes, while the authorities have cited public order and restrictions on gatherings in their response to the planned demonstrations.
Dipke Says CJP Is Not Seeking Regime Change
The police action came a day after Dipke sought to clarify the organisation’s objectives during a press conference on Thursday night. He said CJP was not demanding a change of government but was seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the appointment of a replacement who would function independently.
“We are not saying we want to change the government… we are simply saying that the Election Commissioner who is rigging elections… should be removed and a new Election Commissioner should be appointed in an independent and unbiased manner,” Dipke said.
His remarks came amid broader political debate surrounding the protests and the allegations against the Election Commission. The claims about electoral irregularities remain contested.
Security Tightened Ahead Of The Delhi March
Authorities increased security around Connaught Place ahead of the proposed gathering, with restrictions on public assemblies and Central Park closed for two days. The measures were intended to prevent an unauthorised gathering in the busy commercial district.
Dipke, meanwhile, questioned the restrictions and argued that carrying the national flag should not be treated as wrongdoing. The police notice focused on the proposed march and the restrictions governing gatherings at the venue.
The situation has placed the CJP’s planned demonstration and the authorities’ handling of the protest under renewed scrutiny. Whether supporters would be able to assemble at an alternative location remained a separate question from the notice served on Dipke over the Connaught Place march.
