HighLights
  1. Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder, briefly detained by Mumbai Police.
  2. Detention occurred ahead of CJP's October 2 protest.
  3. CJP demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and EC reforms.

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the youth-led satirical movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was briefly detained by the Mumbai Police on Thursday after being spotted holding placards with a group of supporters along Marine Drive, news agency PTI reported.

According to an official, a team which included a woman inspector approached Dipke at the iconic promenade and escorted him to the Marine Drive police station in a van. The woman officer asked him about his identity and hometown during the ride to the police station.

ALSO READ: 'Tactics To Suppress Voices Unacceptable': CJP Announces 'Jail Bharo Andolan' On Oct 2 After Mumbai Police Deny Permission

After being kept in the station's waiting area, Dipke met with senior officials and exited minutes later smiling. A video of his brief detention subsequently went viral on social media.

The detention occurred ahead of the CJP's planned demonstration in Mumbai on October 2, seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar following The Indian Express's report of alleged internal differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Key Demands Of The CJP

The CJP has outlined three key demands:

  • The immediate resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and the initiation of criminal proceedings against him.
  • A pause on the SIR process and the full restoration of the January 2025 voter list.
  • the repeal of the 2023 law governing the Election Commission along with broader structural reforms.

Mumbai Police Deny Permission For Shivaji Park Protest

Earlier on September 27, the Mumbai Police denied permission for the group's proposed protest at Shivaji Park, advising organisers to seek an alternative location. Officials outlined several reasons for the decision:

ALSO READ: Abhijeet Dipke Claims Mumbai Police Denied Permission For October 2 Protest Seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's Resignation

  • Legal Limitations On Venue: Local police stated they are not legally empowered to clear political gatherings at Shivaji Park due to a 2013 Bombay High Court order and a 2016 Maharashtra government directive.
  • Lack of Civic Clearance: Authorities noted that the organisers did not secure mandatory permission from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
  • Public Disturbance Risks: Highlighting that Shivaji Park is a designated silence zone, police raised major concerns regarding noise pollution and heavy traffic disruptions in the area.

However, the CJP leadership said it will move forward with the protest, calling the denial an attempt to suppress citizens' voices.

(With Inputs From PTI)


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