Mumbai police seized Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Citizens Justice Party, near Marine Drive on Friday. Officers spotted him holding placards and detained him briefly before releasing him. No formal charge sheet has been filed, but the arrest highlights the friction between the CJP and local law enforcement ahead of a larger mobilization.
The detention occurred mere hours before the CJP’s 'Mumbai Chalo' march was set to commence. The rally targets Gyanesh Kumar, the Election Commission of India’s chief, accusing him of electoral malpractice. Dipke’s team claims the police action is an attempt to suppress legitimate dissent rather than maintain public order.
Marine Drive, one of Mumbai’s most congested and symbolic thoroughfares, is rarely used for unsanctioned political displays. The CJP plans to march from there to the Secretariat, demanding an independent inquiry into recent election irregularities. Police have deployed additional personnel along the route, signaling a high-security posture for the day.
Legal counsel for the CJP is preparing to move the Bombay High Court if the march is blocked again. Dipke, upon release, told reporters that his group “will not be intimidated” and intends to proceed with the demonstration as planned. The ECI has not yet issued a public response to the specific allegations levied by the CJP leadership.