Brief

PTI journalist describes Delhi lockdown on way to office during CJP protest

The journalist’s first‑person account shows how extensive police deployment disrupted daily travel amid the Cockroach Janata Party protest.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 11 Oct 2026 04:10:22 GMT

On Saturday, Oct 10, a PTI journalist detailed the difficulties commuters faced as Delhi was sealed off following the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) call for a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

What happened

The reporter left his home in Vaishali, Ghaziabad, and travelled to the Rajiv Chowk metro station. Upon arrival he found the entry and exit gates shut. After showing his press card, a security jawan eventually opened the gates when the platform was empty. Outside the station, a large police presence was visible on Connaught Place, Sansad Marg, Jantar Mantar, Janpath and other central locations. Anti‑riot vehicles were stationed at key intersections, and many roads were blocked.

What the reports add

The account notes that police officers not only offered water but also gave directions to navigate the closed roads. One officer at Janpath Market told the journalist, “Navratri begins tomorrow, yet the entire market is closed today. Business owners have suffered significant losses… we don’t want people to face this kind of inconvenience either.” Another officer at a barricade explicitly refused further passage, saying, “This route is closed, and we won’t allow you any further.”

What was said

“Look, Navratri begins tomorrow, yet the entire market is closed today. Business owners have suffered significant losses… it is truly unfortunate,” the officer said, according to the PTI report. He added, “Believe me, we don’t want people to face this kind of inconvenience either, nor do we want to see the markets shut down.”

How it came about

The lockdown was part of a city‑wide security operation triggered by the CJP’s planned march on Jantar Mantar. Earlier coverage by Felo News reported that more than 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed, that several metro stations were cancelled, and that the protest had been denied permission by authorities. The same security measures also led to the detention of CJP leaders at Delhi airport and the arrest of political figures such as AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, as detailed in Felo’s recent articles.

Key facts

Delhi police closed metro entry gates at Rajiv Chowk on Oct 10, 2026. (news18.com)
A PTI journalist was allowed through after showing a press card. (news18.com)
Police deployed anti‑riot vehicles and blocked roads around central Delhi. (news18.com)
An officer told the journalist that Navratri markets were shut, causing losses for business owners. (news18.com)
The lockdown was linked to the CJP’s protest demanding the CEC’s resignation. (news18.com)