New Delhi: More than 500 protesters were detained by Delhi Police on Friday during a demonstration at and around Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The protest was organized by political parties and student groups, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), AISA, SFI and NSUI.

The protesters raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged deletion of voters.

These allegations are being made by the protesters and have not been independently established. 

Among those detained were AAP leaders Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha and Sanjay Singh.

Police initially estimated that around 150 people had been detained, but later put the number at around 500. 

Police also said that around 700 SFI members attempted to reach Jantar Mantar and were stopped near the Ashoka Road roundabout, with several people detained.  Internet Services Suspended Amid heightened security, mobile internet services were suspended in and around Jantar Mantar.

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Reports said the suspension covered an area of around 1.5 km around the protest site. Internet services were also reported to have been disrupted in parts of central New Delhi. 

Delhi Police had imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across the New Delhi district. The restrictions were cited as necessary for public safety, maintaining public order and managing traffic.  Several Delhi Metro stations also restricted entry and exit as security was tightened in the area. 

The Delhi Police had earlier said that permission had not been granted for the proposed protest, citing security concerns and the expected turnout.  The situation remained tense around Jantar Mantar as police deployed additional personnel and placed barricades in several areas.