Pune: CJP Supporters Detained Near Lal Mahal Ahead of Planned Protest
Kasba Peth, 10th October 2026: Police detained around 100 to 150 supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) near Lal Mahal in Pune on Saturday, October 10, ahead of a planned demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police said the gathering had not been granted permission and action was taken before the protest could proceed.
Anuja Deshmane, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Vishrambaug Division), said the detained individuals were supporters of the movement being organised by the CJP. She said that they would be released following an investigation if they were not found to be involved in any other cases.
A police officer separately said the detentions were being carried out in accordance with directions from the Union Home Ministry. According to the officer, five to six police vans were used to transport those detained.
Heavy Police Deployment Near Lal Mahal
Police maintained a heavy security presence in and around Lal Mahal, with approximately 500 to 700 personnel deployed in the area. Some officers were reportedly stationed in plain clothes to monitor the situation.
Several police vans were positioned near the historic site as personnel kept watch for further gatherings. Police also indicated that additional detentions could follow if more supporters attempted to assemble.
A police officer said some CJP supporters were still inside the Wada premises when the police operation was underway. He said personnel were searching the premises and other locations where protesters might be present, adding that those identified as participants in the demonstration would be detained.
According to information available from the site, the gathering comprised CJP supporters rather than the party’s official office-bearers.
Why Were CJP Supporters Planning to Protest?
The action in Pune came amid heightened security measures ahead of the CJP’s planned nationwide protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday.
The party’s campaign seeks Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, including claims that eligible voters’ names have been removed. The allegations remain contested.
Delhi Police had reportedly refused permission for the proposed demonstration. Media reports said CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and other party members were detained aboard an aircraft shortly after it landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday.
The detentions in Pune were part of wider preventive measures reported across Maharashtra ahead of the planned agitation.
Police cited the absence of permission for the gathering near Lal Mahal as the reason for their action.
