DHRUV RATHEE WALKS FREE AFTER MIDNIGHT RELEASE, BUT POLICE WARN OF FRESH DETENTION OVER CJP PROTEST
October 11, 2026
YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was released by Gurugram Police late on Saturday night after being detained ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. However, police sources warned that he could be detained again or face further legal action if he attempted to join the protest despite prohibitory orders.
Rathee was detained from his residence in Sector 56, Gurugram, on Saturday as security was tightened across the national capital to prevent demonstrators from reaching Jantar Mantar. The planned gathering was intended to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities associated with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
According to reports, Rathee had travelled to Delhi intending to participate in the demonstration. A day before his detention, he posted a video on Instagram filmed at Kartavya Path, questioning the extensive security arrangements and transport restrictions introduced ahead of the proposed protest. These measures reportedly included the closure of Metro stations, cancellation of trains and a temporary suspension of mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi.
Rathee’s detention came amid a sweeping police operation across the capital. Police sources said more than 7,000 protesters had been detained at various locations as authorities sought to prevent the gathering. Several prominent opposition leaders, including former chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan and Manik Sarkar, were also detained while attempting to join the demonstration.
CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were placed under preventive arrest after being detained at the airport upon arriving in Delhi. Police also indicated that multiple first information reports could be registered in connection with alleged assaults on personnel during the protest-related confrontations.
Separately, former Bengaluru police commissioner and retired IPS officer Bhaskar Rao urged the Union Home Ministry to verify Rathee’s citizenship, passport and immigration status following his participation in the anti-SIR protest. Rao sought clarification about Rathee’s nationality, the passport under which he entered India, the category and conditions of any visa or other permission to stay, and the declared purpose and duration of his visit.
Rao stated that his request was not motivated by disagreement with Rathee’s political opinions or criticism of the government and the Election Commission. He argued that the relevant authorities should ensure compliance with laws governing foreign nationals in India.
Rathee’s release has not ended the uncertainty surrounding his participation in the protest. Police have warned that further action remains possible if he attempts to reach Jantar Mantar despite the restrictions, as the wider confrontation over electoral-roll revision and demands for the chief election commissioner’s resignation continues to intensify.
