Leaders Detained, Permission Denied: Thousands Carry ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ March Ahead

All India Students' Association (AISA) chief Neha Bora was detained from Mandi House in Delhi, while Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke was picked up from his residence in the Jhandewala area before he could join the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march at Connaught Place in the national capital. The rally was called after CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were sent to five-day judicial custody for entering the barricaded Jantar Mantar and waving the national flag there.

Aides of Neha Bora alleged that she had been taken to an unknown location after being detained by Delhi Police while on her way to join the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest. “Neha Bora detained alone, taken to unknown location,” a post on her X account said, adding that she did not have her phone with her. “Delhi Police must answer: where is Neha?” the post said, describing the incident as “once again, an abduction”.

Fearless to the core. https://t.co/9gdVy9prCH

— Neha Bora Team (@NehaAisa) October 16, 2026

Meanwhile, hours before the protest, around 20 personnel of the Delhi Police reached Dipke's home and served him a notice directing him to refrain from any action that could prejudice the rights of citizens, traders, commuters, patients and others. Dipke was detained when he tried to leave for the protest.

The detentions led to jostling among protesters, camera crews and security personnel as the police stepped up security across the capital ahead of the march. The location where Bora was taken was not immediately clear from the information available. Police sources told news agency PTI that Dipke had been taken to Jafarpur Kalan police station after his detention. In the absence of Bora, SFI leader Srijan Bhattacharya and MP John Brittas were seen leading the march towards Central Park with around 100 protesters. 

Defying the ban orders in CP, hundreds of students and youth activists from Leftist organisations have retaken Central Park. It is ours — not anybody’s private property. We sang the national anthem and held the national flag high. We will be here again, come what may. Lehara do 🇮🇳 #tiranga #savedemocracy #GyaneshMustResign

— John Brittas (@JohnBrittas) October 16, 2026

A senior Delhi Police officer confirmed that both Dipke and Bora had been detained, but said the situation remained peaceful. “We have detained Dipke and Bora. The situation is very peaceful. Some protesters have reached Connaught Place and will be removed soon. Our main objective is to maintain law and order and ensure smooth traffic movement,” the officer said.

Detained before Abhijeet Dipke could even unfurl the Tiranga? Is this what patriotism has come to? -Team Ashutosh https://t.co/cnI9Q9dwP2

— Ashutosh Ranka (@AshutoshRanka) October 16, 2026

Delhi Police Tighten Security, Central Park Cordoned Off

The police action came as security arrangements were intensified at key locations in the capital ahead of the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march. The protest was called by the CJP after its leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to Tihar Jail for entering Jantar Mantar and waving the national flag on October 13. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar visited the DCP New Delhi office at Parliament Street police station to review the security arrangements.

At Connaught Place, security personnel cordoned off Central Park and formed a human chain along its metal railings to prevent protesters from entering the area. A tear gas vehicle and a Vajra riot-control vehicle were stationed outside the park, while Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed inside. Traffic police personnel were also positioned along the inner and outer circles of Connaught Place to regulate traffic and prevent congestion.

Cockroaches Nikal Padein Hai!!! https://t.co/gE03r37eaa

— Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) October 16, 2026

Hundreds of protesters, including members of the CJP and student organisations, gathered at Connaught Place and Mandi House for a series of flash protests. The demonstrators waved the national flag as police personnel maintained a heavy presence across the area. The detention of Bora and Dipke added to the tensions surrounding the proposed march, with questions being raised by Bora’s aides over her whereabouts following the police action.