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

Protests & Society · 23 October 2026 · New Delhi, India
URL: https://connectthedots.news/event/2026-10-23-police-detain-anti-sir-marchers-near-election-commission-as-centre

> Delhi Police stopped a march on the Election Commission demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and detained protesters, as the Home Ministry extended a 273-company paramilitary deployment to 31 October.

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. [1][2]

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. [1][2][3]

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. [3][4]

People Against SIR said it has planned protests in 88 cities across 18 states, involving 145 organisations, between 23 October and 1 November. [2]

## Who was involved

- [Delhi Police](https://connectthedots.news/org/delhi-police): Stopped the march and detained protesters; sought the CAPF extension [1][2][4]
- [Gyanesh Kumar](https://connectthedots.news/person/gyanesh-kumar): Protesters demanded his resignation [1][2]
- [Election Commission of India](https://connectthedots.news/org/election-commission-of-india): Destination of the march over the SIR [2][3]
- [Brinda Karat](https://connectthedots.news/person/brinda-karat): Joined the march [1][2]
- [Ministry of Home Affairs](https://connectthedots.news/org/ministry-of-home-affairs): Extended 273 CAPF companies in Delhi to 31 October [3][4]
- [Cockroach Janta Party](https://connectthedots.news/org/cockroach-janta-party): Its October protests led to the original deployment [4]

## Linked stories

- Related to: [Delhi Police say Jantar Mantar is no longer a protest site](https://connectthedots.news/event/2026-10-12-jantar-mantar-no-longer-protest-site) (12 October 2026)
- Related to: [Speaker Om Birla says any fresh motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar will be examined under the rules](https://connectthedots.news/event/2026-10-22-speaker-om-birla-says-any-fresh-motion-to-remove-cec-gyanesh-kumar) (22 October 2026)

## Sources

1. Outlook, "More Than Hundred Detained Amid Slogans Of 'Won't Tolerate Vote Theft' In Delhi", 23 October 2026: https://www.outlookindia.com/national/more-than-hundred-detained-amid-slogans-of-wont-tolerate-vote-theft-in-delhi
2. The Federal, "Delhi Police detain protesters during anti-SIR march to Election Commission", 23 October 2026: https://thefederal.com/category/news/delhi-police-detain-protesters-during-anti-sir-march-to-election-commission-260478
3. Onmanorama, "Delhi sees fresh protests against SIR; 273 CAPF to remain deployed till Oct 31", 23 October 2026: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2026/10/23/fresh-protests-erupt-over-electoral-roll-revisions-in-delhi-live.html
4. Outlook, "Govt Extends Deployment Of 273 CAPF Companies As Delhi Police Warns Of Possible 'Flash Protests'", 23 October 2026: https://www.outlookindia.com/national/govt-extends-deployment-of-273-capf-companies-as-delhi-police-warns-of-possible-flash-protests