Opposition leader accuses govt of 'unofficial emergency' after activist arrests

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, on Wednesday alleged that the government was imposing an "unofficial emergency" after two party leaders were remanded to five-day judicial custody for allegedly trespassing at Jantar Mantar. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Dipke questioned what offence the activists had committed by displaying the national flag at the protest site.

Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were arrested early Tuesday after they allegedly breached barricades and entered the denotified protest area without authorization. They had raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Following their detention, both were sent to judicial custody and lodged at Tihar Jail on Wednesday on charges of violating peace bonds and trespassing.

The incident marks the latest flashpoint over restrictions at Jantar Mantar, which was denotified as a designated protest zone. Dipke's remarks reflect growing opposition concerns over limitations on public demonstration and assembly in the national capital, with critics arguing that peaceful protest activities are being increasingly curbed.