Delhi Police detained several journalists, including Dhruv Rathee and Kavya Karnatac, near Jantar Mantar on Saturday while they reported on the Cockroach Janata Party's ongoing protest. The detentions occurred as authorities tightened security around the monument, restricting access for both citizens and media personnel. This move has triggered a sharp backlash from the press and opposition parties, who are framing the police action as a targeted suppression of free speech.
The allegations are specific and documented. Scroll journalist Spriha Srivastava posted on X that her colleague, investigative reporter Ayush Tiwari, was bundled into a police van near ITO despite displaying his press card and repeatedly identifying himself as a journalist. Although Srivastava later clarified that Tiwari was no longer in detention, the incident highlights the friction between law enforcement and the media. Independent journalist Harsh Yadav shared video evidence of police gathering outside hotels where journalists were staying, claiming officers visited his residence as well. "Bahar hotel mein zabardasti journalist ko detain kiya ja raha hai," Yadav stated in the clip, urging legal intervention.
YouTuber Kavya Karnatac, who runs the channel KK Creates, alleged that police were detaining people without providing reasons. She described the situation as a violation of basic civil liberties. "Right to movement aaj Delhi mein nahi hai," Karnatac said, noting that individuals were being stopped whether moving alone or in groups. Her comments mirror the broader sentiment of frustration among those unable to access the protest site due to the heightened police deployment.
The CJP, which is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, condemned the police action on X. The party accused the government of overturning democracy by clamping down on journalists. "Shocking clampdown on journalists across Delhi who are being detained by Delhi Police just for doing their jobs!" the CJP posted, directing criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Opposition leaders have joined the critique, labeling the heavy security presence and detentions as an "undeclared emergency."
The protest at Jantar Mantar is expected to continue, with the CJP maintaining its demand for the CEC's removal. Police have not issued a formal statement addressing the specific detentions of the named journalists, but the situation remains tense as media organizations and legal advocates monitor the proceedings. The focus now shifts to whether legal challenges will be filed against the police actions and if the CJP will escalate its demands further.