Delhi police detain 3,000 as major protests rock capital

Delhi police detained approximately 3,000 demonstrators during protests staged in the Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place areas of the capital, marking an escalation in law enforcement response to the demonstrations organized by the Cockroach Janata Party and allied organizations.

Key protest organizer Abhijit Deepak was taken into custody upon arrival at Delhi airport, prompting large crowds to mobilize across the city's streets in response. The police action extended to political figures, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and several Delhi-based opposition leaders also being detained during the demonstrations.

Following their release, Banerjee addressed media representatives and leveled serious accusations against police conduct during the protests. Her remarks underscored growing friction between state and central authorities over the handling of the demonstrations. The detention of such prominent political figures has intensified scrutiny over the police response and raised questions about the treatment of dissent in the capital.

The incident reflects deepening political tensions ahead of what observers suggest could be a prolonged period of confrontation between the government and opposition forces opposed to current policies. The scale of detentions and the involvement of high-profile political leaders indicate the protests have evolved beyond localized activism into a coordinated political challenge.