Abhijeet Dipke, Neha Bora detained by Delhi Police ahead of ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest at Connaught Place

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and All India Students’ Association (AISA) chief Neha Bora were detained by Delhi Police on Friday while on their way to participate in the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest at Connaught Place. Dipke was detained from his residence in Jhandewalan, while Bora was picked up from Mandi House in central Delhi. Their detention took place amid heightened security arrangements in the national capital. Earlier on Friday, more than 20 Delhi Police personnel visited Dipke’s residence in Jhandewalan and served him a notice directing him to refrain from any action that could affect the rights of citizens, traders, commuters, patients and others.According to Delhi Police sources cited by ANI, Dipke was served two notices during the day. The first, issued under the Delhi Police Act, directed him not to visit Central Park in view of the restrictions in force. The second notice, issued by the South West Delhi Police, concerned an earlier incident in which Dipke, Ashutosh and Sourav were taken into preventive custody at the airport and subsequently produced before a court.

The second notice referred to a court directive requiring them to refrain from causing any public disturbance for one year.
During a conversation with the police, Dipke was told, “Aap New Delhi nahi jaa sakte. Hum aapko detain kar rahe hain” (You cannot go to New Delhi. We are detaining you).

He responded, “New Delhi nahi jaa sakta, kahin aur toh jaa sakta hoon. Maine kaunsa kanoon toda hai?” (I cannot go to New Delhi, but I can go somewhere else. What law have I broken?).

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Why was Abhijeet Dipke detained?

A police official was heard telling Dipke, “We are placing you under preventive detention. Section 163 is in force in Connaught Place. You are being detained…”The detentions came ahead of the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest called by the CJP at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday. Police had said that the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had not granted permission for the Tiranga Yatra. The proposed gathering prompted increased security arrangements in the area, with police cautioning against any unauthorised march or assembly in violation of the prevailing restrictions.

What did Delhi Police say about the Tiranga protest?

In its notice to Dipke, the police clarified that displaying or waving the national flag was not prohibited. However, any unauthorised march or gathering that violated the restrictions in force could invite legal action. Dipke was also reminded to comply with the Flag Code of India while displaying the national flag.

The police action came amid preparations for the planned protest in Connaught Place, where the authorities had cited the lack of requisite permission for the proposed gathering.

Inputs from agencies