Delhi turned into a fortress as security forces implemented multi-layer barricading and massive deployments in response to a protest call demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Approximately 20,000 security personnel, consisting of Delhi Police, Central Armed Police Forces, the Rapid Action Force, and Sashastra Seema Bal jawans, were mobilized across sensitive zones, with 6,500 personnel positioned specifically around Jantar Mantar.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and All India Trinamool Congress members of Parliament, including Dola Sen, were taken into custody in central Delhi. The leaders were intercepted near the Trinamool Congress office in South Avenue while trying to advance toward Jantar Mantar to stage demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner. Across the national capital, police maintained strict security restrictions to block unauthorized assemblies, detaining numerous protesters and members of citizen groups throughout the day. Officials reported that about 1,000 demonstrators were taken into custody from locations surrounding Connaught Place and central Delhi, with police citing preventive measures to curb potential unrest and street violence.
Ahead of the planned demonstrations, authorities moved swiftly against key figures linked to the movement. Prominent individuals including Abhijeet Deepke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka were detained immediately upon arriving at Delhi Airport, while YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was taken into custody with the help of Gurugram Police.
To enforce the lockdown-like conditions, authorities closed dozens of metro stations, restricted internet services within a four-kilometre radius, established twelve temporary detention centres, and blocked major thoroughfares leading to Jantar Mantar. Key intersections and roads, including the Mandi House roundabout, Feroz Shah Road, and Janpath, were sealed off. Police personnel equipped with body cameras and supported by extensive CCTV networks conducted rigorous checks on vehicles and commuters at major entry points such as ITO to thwart any gathering attempts.