Police detain anti-SIR marchers near Election Commission as Centre keeps 273 CAPF companies in Delhi

Delhi Police stopped a march towards the Election Commission headquarters on 23 October called by the Delhi Coordination Committee of People Against SIR, which says the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has deleted many voters. Protesters chanted "Gyanesh Kumar, resign", "Halt SIR" and "Won't tolerate vote theft". Outlook reported that more than 100 people were detained; other reports said several.Sources:1Outlook: More Than Hundred Detained Amid Slogans Of 'Won't Tolerate Vote Theft' In Delhi, Outlook, 23 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)2The Federal: Delhi Police detain protesters during anti-SIR march to Election Commission, The Federal, 23 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)

Police invoked Section 163 of the BNSS, which bars mass gatherings, according to PTI,; when the march was stopped, protesters sat down and held a "People's Parliament". CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat joined, and the Students' Federation of India and Krantikari Yuva Sangathan backed the march. "This is not about reclaiming Jantar Mantar; this is about saving democracy and the country," a protester told PTI.Sources:1Outlook: More Than Hundred Detained Amid Slogans Of 'Won't Tolerate Vote Theft' In Delhi, Outlook, 23 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)2The Federal: Delhi Police detain protesters during anti-SIR march to Election Commission, The Federal, 23 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)3Onmanorama: Delhi sees fresh protests against SIR; 273 CAPF to remain deployed till Oct 31, Onmanorama, 23 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)

The same day it was reported that the Union Home Ministry had extended the deployment of 273 Central Armed Police Forces companies in Delhi until 31 October at Delhi Police's request, citing the risk of "flash protests" at sensitive locations. It is the second extension; the forces, including 125 CRPF and 46 BSF companies, were brought in earlier in October because of the Cockroach Janta Party's protests demanding Kumar's resignation.Sources:3Onmanorama: Delhi sees fresh protests against SIR; 273 CAPF to remain deployed till Oct 31, Onmanorama, 23 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)4Outlook: Govt Extends Deployment Of 273 CAPF Companies As Delhi Police Warns Of Possible 'Flash Protests', Outlook, 23 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)

People Against SIR said it has planned protests in 88 cities across 18 states, involving 145 organisations, between 23 October and 1 November.Sources:2The Federal: Delhi Police detain protesters during anti-SIR march to Election Commission, The Federal, 23 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)