YouTube commentator Dhruv Rathee was released late on Saturday night after being detained by Delhi Police ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a police officer said.

Rathee was detained from his residence in Sector 56 of Gurugram on Saturday morning as authorities tightened security to prevent protesters from assembling at Jantar Mantar. The planned demonstration sought Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

A police officer told news agency PTI that Rathee could face another detention or further legal action if he attempted to reach Jantar Mantar in violation of prohibitory orders.

In a post on X, CJP alleged that around 50 police personnel in plainclothes arrived at Rathee’s residence at 8 am and took him into custody.

Rathee is known for his criticism of the BJP-led NDA government and has expressed support for Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.

CJP Leaders Also Detained

The development followed the preventive arrests of CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Sunday morning. The three were later released by an executive magistrate, subject to a condition that they refrain from activities that could breach public peace for one year, according to sources.

More than 3,000 people, including politicians, were detained during Saturday’s protest-related security operation and released later that night, according to the report.

Police deployed extensive security arrangements across Delhi to prevent large gatherings near Jantar Mantar. The restrictions led demonstrators to split into smaller groups at different locations across the capital.

Supreme Court Hearing Expected Over Transport Curbs

The protest-related restrictions have also triggered a legal challenge over the closure of Delhi Metro station gates and the cancellation of train services on Saturday.

A special sitting of the Supreme Court was expected on Sunday to hear a contempt petition concerning the restrictions. Metro services were operating in the morning, although security personnel remained stationed at entry and exit points. Buses were also positioned nearby to transport people detained during the operation.

On Friday, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana had directed authorities not to impose a complete shutdown of metro services ahead of the planned demonstration.

The case places renewed focus on the balance between security measures during protests and the public’s access to essential transport services.