Full Breakdown
Delhi Police Detain Journalists Covering CJP Protest on Oct 10, 2026
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 10, 2026, Delhi Police stopped and detained dozens of reporters covering a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Journalists from outlets such as *India Today* and *Navbharat Times* were seized, often after showing press identification, and taken to detention centres including Chhatrasal Stadium and a converted stadium in Bawana. Accounts describe journalists being dragged, having clothing ripped, and pressured to delete footage. The crackdown continued into October 11, 2026, when additional media workers, including a *Caravan* assistant multimedia producer, were beaten and detained.
Background & Context
The CJP, a youth-led movement, called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls removed about 130 million voters. The party sought to assemble at Jantar Mantar on October 10. Delhi Police denied permission, citing non-compliance with prior undertakings and “law-and-order” concerns. In the days before the protest, authorities shut 45 metro stations, cancelled dozens of trains, and imposed a four-kilometre internet blackout around the Janpath-Kartavya Path corridor on October 9, 2026.
Data & Statistics
- The Wire listed nearly 30 journalists detained across the two days.
- Reporters Without Borders noted at least 16 journalists taken into custody on October 10.
- Altnews identified specific individuals, including Scroll reporter Ayush Tiwari, Business Standard journalist Anushka Bhardwaj, and Newslaundry team members Ashwine Kumar Singh, Astha Savyasachi, Anmol Pritam and Anshu.
- Detentions were also reported from Ahmedabad, Pune and Mumbai.
Official Statements & Responses
Criticism & Opposition
Press-freedom advocates argue the detentions assault media rights. Several reporters said police ignored press credentials and used force despite identification. Legal analysts note the Supreme Court’s intervention highlights tension between security measures and constitutional guarantees of free expression.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The protesters started shouting at the cops, saying, ‘Let us go, we will die. There will be a fire,’” — Ayush Tiwari
- “This is dictatorship. You can see where the nation is heading. They [Delhi Police] are here to arrest us directly from the flight. We are not afraid of getting arrested.…” — Emergency, journalist
- “This intimidation is not going to work, Modi. The youth of this country are no longer scared of you,” — Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number detained: The Wire’s tally approaches 30, while Reporters Without Borders cites a minimum of 16 for October 10. No official police figure has been released, and the specific legal provision invoked was not disclosed.
What’s Next
The Supreme Court has ordered a compliance report on the removal of barricades and restoration of metro services. CJP leaders, released on the condition of not “breaching the peace” for a year, have pledged to resume street actions nationwide. Journalists and press-rights groups continue to demand an independent inquiry into the police’s handling of media personnel during the protest.