NEW DELHI: Delhi Police Deputy Commissioner of Police Neha Yadav on Sunday defended the detention of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and two associates on October 10, citing security concerns, the absence of permission for the proposed protest and alleged previous violations during demonstrations.
Addressing a press briefing, Yadav said permission for the planned sit-in at Janpath had been denied because the organisers had not followed prescribed procedures and the prevailing security situation required restrictions on public gatherings.
She alleged that previous demonstrations organised by the group had involved stone-pelting, arson and damage to public property, besides non-compliance with legal undertakings and official directives.
The DCP said Section 133 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) had been imposed in several areas of Delhi to prohibit unauthorised gatherings and protests, with the stated objective of maintaining public order and protecting life and property.
Yadav also addressed criticism over how Dipke was informed about the death of his grandmother, Savitribai Shankarrao Dipke, aged 85. She said police personnel approached him after receiving the information and offered assistance with travel arrangements, phone calls and communication with his parents.
According to the DCP, officers repeatedly asked Dipke whether he wanted to speak to his parents, but he declined the offers.
Meanwhile, Dipke reiterated his determination to continue the movement despite his personal loss and the detention of party members. In a post on X, he said, “Haven’t signed any bond that says we won’t protest. We will hit the streets again.”
The CJP also held a press conference in Delhi on Sunday following the release of key members from detention. The developments came amid a wider political standoff over the party’s proposed protest and its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
