Police personnel arrived at a Jhandewalan address in Delhi on Friday afternoon where Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, was staying, and served him a notice connected to the group's upcoming 'Lehra Do Tiranga' rally, which was planned to pass through central parts of the city.
According to the document, Section 163 was active within the Connaught Place area, while the New Delhi Municipal Council had not authorised the Tiranga Yatra to proceed. The notice stated that moving ahead with the march could expose organisers to legal proceedings.
Dipke had indicated to those nearby, some time before police arrived, that he had genuinely anticipated detention on the night before the march.
The visit took place against the backdrop of a broader dispute between the CJP and Delhi Police over the Chief Election Commissioner, in which the party has raised concerns about how the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls was conducted.
Footage captured approximately a dozen officers from Delhi Police — among them several women — making their way to the centrally located residence to hand over the notice. Photographs showed Dipke indoors with the Tricolour resting across his shoulders, and a police officer positioned beside him.
A Delhi Police insider, as relayed through a broadcast news outlet, cited the document as indicating that Section 163 was active in the Connaught Place area and that the NDMC had not authorised the Tiranga Yatra to proceed. The notice stated that any attempt to move toward Connaught Place in defiance of the active restrictions would constitute a breach of Section 163 and could draw legal consequences.
NCP-SCP spokesperson Anish Gawande, at whose home Dipke had been staying, told reporters that the police visit had not been communicated to him beforehand and that he became aware of their presence only upon their arrival. He said the two had been away during their lunch hour at the time. The visitors were offered tea upon arrival while the purpose of their visit was discussed. Gawande said the notice would need to be reviewed before any response was given.
Gawande urged participation in the Tiranga Yatra and said his group intended to join the march.
Separate footage captured Dipke signing paperwork that appeared to be connected to a peace bond. Those familiar with the matter said a notice under Section 29 of the Delhi Police Act had been delivered to him.
Under Section 29 of the Delhi Police Act, officers hold the authority to issue directives aimed at maintaining public order. The provision does not itself place an outright blanket prohibition on protests within police jurisdiction.
As of the time of reporting, Delhi Police had issued no public communication addressing whether Dipke was being held in detention or confined to his residence.