Delhi Police detained roughly 150 protesters on Friday as they attempted to assemble at Jantar Mantar for the Cockroach Janta Party protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Police said the crackdown also saw 600 people with criminal records held across all 15 districts of the capital, a move aimed at preventing law‑and‑order issues during the planned demonstration.
The officers deployed drones over the city to track movement and intensified surveillance at the homes of those suspected of mobilising crowds.
Delhi Police denied the CJP permission to hold the protest, citing security and procedural concerns, and issued prohibitory orders to curb gatherings.
The protest plans stem from accusations that the Commission's Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls altered Form 6 registrations, sparking fears of manipulation.
Local shopkeeper Suresh Sharma, who lives near Jantar Mantar, said he witnessed crowds gather but police kept the area calm, awaiting the final decision.