YouTuber Dhruv Rathee detained by Delhi Police

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was detained by Delhi Police ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday.

Rathee was detained from his residence in Gurugram’s Sector 56, police sources told news agency PTI, on his way to join the demonstration, prompting heightened security arrangements across the national capital.

CJP condemned the detention of the YouTuber and other protesters and activists by Delhi Police, alleging a crackdown on dissent over electoral roll irregularities.

In a press release, the party demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of Rathee and other citizens and student activists allegedly held in custody. It accused the government of attempting to silence protests over the issue.

Delhi Police had denied permission for the protest earlier in the week, citing security concerns and procedural requirements. Around 150 protesters had been detained from various locations in New Delhi as police stepped up preventive action to stop demonstrators from reaching the protest site.