New Delhi: Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke on Friday, October 16, as he left the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) spokesperson Anish Gawande in the national capital. The detention came hours before the proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ rally at Central Park in Connaught Place, where the police had imposed prohibitory restrictions.
According to the information provided by the police, an officer informed Dipke that he was being placed under preventive detention because Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was in force in Connaught Place.
The police also issued two notices to the CJP activist, referring to the restrictions on public gatherings and a previous undertaking to maintain public peace.
Why Was Abhijeet Dipke Detained In Delhi?
One notice, issued by the New Delhi district, directed Dipke not to visit Central Park in view of the prohibitory orders. The proposed rally had not received permission from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), according to the notice described in the report.
The notice warned that proceeding with the proposed march or assembling a crowd in the restricted area could invite legal action under the prevailing orders.
The second notice, issued by the South-West Delhi district, referred to an earlier preventive action involving Dipke and CJP members Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das. The notice mentioned an undertaking requiring them not to disturb public peace for one year.
Police also clarified that waving the national flag was not, in itself, unlawful. Their objection concerned an unauthorised march or public gathering in an area where restrictions were in force. Dipke was also reminded of the requirement to treat the national flag with respect under the Flag Code.
What Is The ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ Rally About?
The proposed gathering was called by CJP at Central Park in Connaught Place. Dipke had urged supporters to assemble with the national flag, presenting the event as a show of support for the Tricolour.
The rally came amid tensions following the detention of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das in connection with an earlier protest. The party had called for the Connaught Place gathering as part of its response to the developments involving its members.
Authorities had already announced restrictions in Connaught Place and adjoining areas, citing the need to maintain public order and protect people and property. Central Park was also scheduled to remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17.
Delhi Police Reviews Security, Warns Of Traffic Disruptions
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar reviewed security arrangements with senior officers ahead of the proposed rally. Police personnel were deployed across the area to monitor the situation and manage any potential gathering.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) D.K. Gupta said a detailed traffic advisory had been issued, warning that roads around Connaught Place could be affected. He said traffic personnel had been deployed in the relevant zones and that diversions would be introduced if required.
Gupta also said police were monitoring social media for information that could indicate possible disruptions. He urged commuters to follow official traffic advisories and plan their journeys accordingly.
The traffic police said their priority was to minimise inconvenience to the public and maintain the smooth movement of vehicles.
The detention and notices came as authorities sought to prevent an unauthorised assembly in the restricted area. The police action was based on the prohibitory orders in force; it should not be interpreted as a general ban on carrying or waving the national flag.
