Connaught Place Tiranga March: CJP, AISA Say Dipke, Neha Bora Not Traceable After Detention; Oppn Alleges 'Emergency'

CJP Tiranga March: Hundreds of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and members of student organisations staged a series of flash protests in central Delhi on Friday evening after police denied permission for the party's 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march at Connaught Place.

Protesters carrying the national flag walked through the Inner Circle, chanting 'Jai Hind' and singing the national anthem while dispersing and regrouping at multiple spots. Around 150 people were detained by the Delhi Police, including CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora.

ALSO READ: CJP Tiranga March LIVE: Dipke, Neha Bora Taken To Undisclosed Locations As Student Unions Carry Out Tiranga Rally At CP

Delhi Police Served Notice To Abhijeet Dipke Before Detention

Earlier in the day, over 20 Delhi Police personnel visited Dipke's residence in Jhandewalan to serve him a notice. The order directed him to refrain from any actions that could disrupt commuters, shopkeepers, traders, and medical patients.

Dipke was later taken into custody from his residence while on his way to Connaught Place. Simultaneously, police detained AISA president Neha Bora at Mandi House. The sudden detentions led to pushing and jostling among protesters, news crews, and security forces.

CJP And AISA Question Whereabouts Of Detained Leaders

Following the detentions, both CJP and AISA raised questions about the whereabouts of their leaders, Dipke and Bora, alleging the two were being denied access to lawyers

In a post on X, the CJP wrote, "Why does this government treat youth like terrorists? We are equal citizens of India, and we deserve all the protections and rights of the Constitution! How can walking with a tiranga be a crime? You Detain One Abhijeet, Thousands Of Abhijeet Will Stand Up!"

🚨IMPORTANT🚨 The Delhi Police has taken Abhijeet Dipke to an undisclosed location. We have lost contact with him. He is not being allowed to talk to lawyers. Why does this government treat youth like terrorists? We are equal citizens of India and we deserve all the protections and rights of the Constitution! @DelhiPolice where have you taken Abhijeet? You owe an answer to us. Abhijeet was just walking out of his home with a Tiranga in his hand! HOW CAN WALKING WITH A TIRANGA BE A CRIME?

— Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) October 16, 2026

In a subsequent post, the CJP said, "We have written to the SHO of Delhi Police for immediate information and release of Dipke from his illegal detention!

AISA claimed that Bora was being detained alone at the Anti-Narcotics Task Force facility in Mangolpuri. In a subsequent post, it claimed she was being taken from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force station, Mangolpuri, to an undisclosed location in a car with illegally blacked-out windows.

"Delhi Police, please answer why Neha was detained alone by plain-clothed men in a bus? Her last location shows that she was taken to Anti-Narcotics Cell, Mangolpuri. Then why is the PS saying that she is not there? Is Delhi Police trying to kidnap her & arrest her?" former AISA president N Sai Balaji said.

War Of Words Erupt Between Government And Opposition

The detentions triggered a sharp political row. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused the opposition and its allies of attempting a Bangladesh-style regime change.

"It appears that the Congress and its political allies, directly and through their supporting organisations, are trying to use the energy of the youth to fuel political confrontation and spread anarchy instead of channelling it towards constructive work and nation-building. The youth of the country are being made pawns in the politics of anarchy," he said.

"They openly say at press conferences that they have drawn inspiration from Bangladesh for regime change, while another speaks openly about bringing down the government. This makes it clear that their only agenda is to dismantle democratic institutions and set the country on fire," the defence minister added.

BJP leader Dilip Ghosh accused CJP of creating tension during the festive season of Navratri and Durga Puja.

In response, the opposition sharply criticised the police action.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X, "Abhijeet Dipke has been detained for holding the Indian National Flag. Let that sink in. In Independent India, our youth are being detained for peacefully asserting their democratic rights. This is nothing short of an undeclared Emergency."

WHAT IS DELHI POLICE UP TO? Abhijeet Dipke has been detained for holding the Indian National Flag. Let that sink in. In Independent India, our youth are being detained for peacefully asserting their democratic rights. This is nothing short of an undeclared Emergency. A government that fears dissent is now trying to intimidate an entire generation into silence. This is the conduct of a fascist regime that cannot tolerate a voice it cannot control. Abhijeet, Ashutosh, Saurav — you represent the courage, conscience and aspirations of India’s youth. You cannot silence an entire generation by suppressing its voice. Your Didi stands firmly with you. No intimidation, no detention and no abuse of power can crush the spirit of democracy. WAKE UP, INDIA! The fight for democracy, freedom and the right to dissent will continue.

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 16, 2026

UP Congress chief Aradhana Misra Mona stated the BJP was culpable for defending the Chief Election Commissioner, while SP Lok Sabha MP Iqra Hasan questioned why the government was causing distress to the nation's youth to protect one individual.

The Congress also criticised the government over the arrests of protesters during the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' demonstrations, alleging that people were being detained for hoisting the Tricolour.

"Those who did not hoist our Tiranga for 52 years after Independence - their government is now arresting people for hoisting the Tricolour. This is the real face of the Modi Govt and the BJP. Congress stands with all the protesters arrested today," the Congress said in a post on X.

Heavy Security Deployed In Connaught Place

Ahead of the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march, Delhi Police cordoned off Central Park in Connaught Place, with Rapid Action Force personnel deployed inside and additional forces stationed in the area.

ALSO READ: CP Traders Claim 70% Drop In Footfall, Rs 250 Crore Daily Business Hit Amid Protests

Central Park was closed to the public on Friday and Saturday, with police citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which bars mass gatherings in Connaught Place and adjoining areas. The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory warning that traffic movement on roads in and around Connaught Place could be affected from 3 PM onwards and advised commuters to avoid select routes.

The repeated protests and traffic restrictions triggered concern among traders and businesses, who said repeated demonstrations in commercial areas were affecting sales during the festive season.

National Restaurant Association of India treasurer Manpreet Singh said that frequent protests in Connaught Place have caused heavy financial losses, with some establishments recording zero sales on certain days.

The Federation Lajpat Nagar Traders Association sought compensation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for losses allegedly suffered during the October 10 protest, urging restrictions on public demonstrations during festival weeks.

(With Inputs From Agencies)