‘Jantar Mantar 2.0 Is On’: Neha Bora Alleges Mass Detentions After Dhruv Rathee’s Detention

All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora has accused the Delhi Police of detaining citizens without justification and restricting movement across the national capital ahead of the ‘Jantar Mantar 2.0’ protest on Saturday, October 10. Her remarks came as YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was detained by Delhi Police from his residence in Gurugram and hundreds of people were reportedly detained ahead of the planned demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

“Jantar Mantar 2.0 is on!” Bora wrote in a post on X, alleging that people travelling by buses and trains, as well as those on streets and in their homes, were being affected by police action and barricades. Dhruv Rathee Detained by Delhi Police From Gurugram Home Ahead of CJP Protest at Jantar Mantar.

‘Jantar Mantar 2.0 Is On’

From buses, trains, streets and houses the Delhi Police is detaining citizens without any grounds.

First, the complete shutdown of the capital, now the detention and barricading of every citizen in the capital, and those on their way.

They tell you they're not afraid, they tell you the protest will be a flop. The truth is out for all to see.

Jantar Mantar 2.0 is on!

— Neha (@neha_aisa) October 10, 2026

Neha Bora Alleges Mass Detentions Ahead of Jantar Mantar Protest

In her post, Bora claimed that the restrictions followed what she described as a complete shutdown of the capital. She alleged that the police were detaining citizens without grounds and preventing people from reaching the protest venue.

“They tell you they're not afraid, they tell you the protest will be a flop. The truth is out for all to see,” she wrote, asserting that the mobilisation would continue despite the security measures.

The allegations come amid extensive security arrangements across Delhi, including barricades, transport restrictions and preventive detentions. The police have cited security and public-order concerns while denying permission for the proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar. Jantar Mantar Protest: Delhi Police Deploy Body Cameras as CJP Accuses Government of Waging War on People (Video).

Dhruv Rathee Detained From Gurugram Residence

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was detained by Delhi Police from his residence in Sector 56, Gurugram, ahead of the protest, according to a report by The Economic Times citing PTI. Reuters also reported, citing a police spokesperson, that Rathee was among those detained outside Delhi.

Rathee had indicated his support for the planned demonstration and shared a video message ahead of the October 10 protest. His detention comes amid a wider police operation targeting people attempting to travel to the national capital to participate in the mobilisation.

How Many People Have Been Detained Ahead of the Protest?

Reports have cited different figures for detentions as police moved to prevent protesters from gathering at Jantar Mantar. According to The Indian Express, at least 1,000 people had been detained overnight in Delhi ahead of the demonstration, based on information available as of around 12:30 am on Saturday.

The Economic Times, citing PTI, separately reported that around 150 protesters attempting to reach Jantar Mantar had been detained. It also reported that police had detained more than 600 people with criminal records across Delhi’s 15 districts as part of preventive measures.

Reuters reported that around 200 protesters had been detained in the area of the planned demonstration, citing a police source. The figures refer to different groups, locations and reporting periods and should not be added together as a single total.

Separately, police in Madhya Pradesh said at least 30 people travelling towards Delhi for the protest had been detained after being intercepted at Bhopal, Itarsi and Gwalior.

Why Is the Jantar Mantar 2.0 Protest Being Held?

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), along with student and activist groups, called the demonstration to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Protesters have raised concerns about voter-list revisions and alleged deletions, demanding accountability from the Election Commission. The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations that electoral-roll changes were politically motivated.

Delhi Police denied permission for the proposed demonstration, citing security considerations and procedural requirements. Authorities have imposed restrictions and stepped up checks at key entry points, while transport curbs have affected movement in parts of the capital.

Neha Bora Says Protest Will Continue Despite Police Action

Bora's latest post signals that organisers intend to continue the mobilisation despite the reported detentions and restrictions. The protest follows several days of demonstrations and preventive police action involving student activists and political figures. Her statement, “Jantar Mantar 2.0 is on!”, comes as the dispute over electoral-roll revisions and the demand for Kumar’s resignation continues to draw political and public attention.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 10, 2026 11:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).