Anti-SIR protest: Delhi Police detain over 100 as protestors march to EC office over electoral irregularities
The protest was organised by People Against SIR and student organisation AISA. The groups had called for a march from Bangla Sahib to the Election Commission office.
PTC News Desk: A protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was held near Bangla Sahib Gurdwara in Delhi on Friday. Protesters carried posters of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and demanded his resignation. The demonstration lasted around three hours.
The protest was organised by People Against SIR and student organisation AISA. The groups had called for a march from Bangla Sahib to the Election Commission office. However, police detained around 100 protesters along the route.
Over the past 22 days, 10 political parties and organisations have taken to the streets more than nine times in Delhi, demanding the withdrawal of SIR and the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Those involved include the INDIA bloc, CJP, AAP, Left parties, AISA, SFI, SKM, and student and civil rights organisations.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Crime Branch may issue fresh notices to Cockroach Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for questioning.
Police had summoned the two leaders for questioning on Thursday, but they did not appear. They have requested additional time from the police.
Both leaders were granted bail by Delhi’s Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court on Wednesday and were released on personal bonds of ₹50,000 each. Delhi Police had detained them during a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 13.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court is also scheduled to deliver its decision on a petition filed by AISA president Neha Bora. She has challenged a Delhi Police notice requiring her to furnish a personal bond of ₹10,000 and a surety to maintain peace during the investigation.
Security beefed up across Delhi
Security was tightened near Bangla Sahib Gurdwara ahead of the march, with large numbers of Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel deployed in the area.
The organisers appealed to farmers, labourers, young people, women and members of various sections of society to join the march carrying the national flag. They said the demonstration would remain peaceful and disciplined. Wherever the police stopped the march, participants would hold a “Jan Sansad” (People’s Parliament), pass resolutions and sing the national anthem.
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) also called for demonstrations on Friday in central Delhi and at district headquarters to express solidarity.
In view of the march, traffic diversions were introduced in parts of central Delhi.
The Delhi Traffic Police said the changes would remain in effect from 1 pm to 5 pm. Traffic congestion and delays were expected around Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, Connaught Place, Parliament Street and Jantar Mantar.
The traffic police advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel through affected areas, plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes wherever possible.
People were also urged to follow the instructions of traffic personnel and allow extra time to reach their destinations.