Delhi police detain activist ahead of Jantar Mantar protest

Delhi police detained activist and social media personality Dhruv Rathee on Monday ahead of a scheduled protest at Jantar Mantar, drawing sharp criticism from civil liberties advocates.

The Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), a civil rights organization, condemned the detention in a statement posted on social media. The group asserted that the central government was "terrified of young people who question its wrongdoings and refuse to stay silent," characterizing the action as an attempt to suppress dissent and democratic expression.

Rathee, who has built a significant following through social commentary and criticism of government policies, was detained during the pre-dawn hours. Police did not immediately provide details about the grounds for detention or charges, if any.

The incident has intensified concerns among activist groups about restrictions on peaceful assembly and free speech in the national capital. Civil liberties organizations have previously raised alarms over what they describe as a pattern of preventive detentions targeting vocal critics and protest organizers.

The detention comes amid growing political tensions in Delhi, with various groups planning demonstrations on issues ranging from economic policy to governance. Authorities have not issued official statements explaining the rationale for Rathee's detention.