New Delhi: In the latest twist in the CJP "Lehra Do Tiranga" protest saga, AISA leader Neha Bora was released from Delhi Police detention early Saturday morning, while CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was placed under preventive arrest and will be produced before a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court later today. The two were picked up by police on Friday evening ahead of the planned march at Connaught Place's Central Park.
Delhi Police confirmed that Bora was released after completing formalities under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act, while action was initiated against Dipke under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) — provisions that allow preventive arrest to avert a breach of peace.
The Latest: What Happened Overnight
- Neha Bora released: The AISA leader, detained at the Mandi House roundabout on Friday evening while marching toward Connaught Place with the tricolour, was released early Saturday morning after detention formalities were completed.
- Abhijeet Dipke arrested: The CJP founder, picked up on Friday, was not released. Police initiated fresh action against him under BNSS Sections 126 (security for keeping the peace) and 170 (preventive arrest), and he will be produced before the Special Executive Magistrate court today.
- Two notices ignored, police claim: Police say Dipke had been served two notices directing him to stay away from Central Park in Connaught Place for the planned agitation, but he allegedly failed to comply.
- ~150 detained: Delhi Police said around 150 people were taken into preventive custody on Friday to maintain law and order and ensure smooth traffic movement.
- CJP's counter-claim: CJP's legal affairs head Ratna Singh said Dipke's location remained unknown and lawyers had not yet been able to meet him.
Bora's Allegations After Release
Speaking to news agency ANI after her release, Bora questioned the legality of the police action and alleged that ordinary citizens were being treated like hardened criminals. She said detainees were being picked up through the day and held in custody overnight, only to be released the following morning or evening — and asked under what law or order such overnight custody was permissible.
Bora also alleged that legal procedures concerning the detention and release of women were not being followed — noting that women are generally expected to be released before sunset — and that her lawyers were initially not allowed to meet her at the RK Puram police station despite waiting for several hours.
The AISA had earlier claimed Bora was moved from place to place across Delhi for about five hours before being taken to the RK Puram police station, and that police initially refused to clarify when she would be released or provide her medicines despite knowing she had been unwell.
SEM Court: What Happens Next for Dipke
The Special Executive Magistrate court will decide Dipke's fate today. Reports note that the same court had granted him conditional bail on October 10 — requiring him to maintain peace for one year after furnishing a bond — following his earlier detention ahead of the Jantar Mantar protest. The fresh preventive arrest raises the question of whether the magistrate will bind him down again, impose new conditions, or release him.
This is the second time in a week that Dipke has faced preventive detention. On October 10, he was detained ahead of the Jantar Mantar protest and released the next day after being produced before an executive magistrate.
Watch: The Lallantop's Ground Report
Background: The Week That Led Here
The "Lehra Do Tiranga" call was the CJP's response to the five-day judicial custody of party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were sent to jail on October 14 after entering the denotified Jantar Mantar protest site on October 13. Friday's march at Central Park was blocked with prohibitory orders under BNSS Section 163, a two-day closure of Central Park, and heavy deployment — Rapid Action Force personnel were stationed inside the park and additional forces across Connaught Place.
The broader agitation demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. AISA, SFI and other student groups have joined the street mobilisation, while traders' associations in Connaught Place have protested the disruption to business during the festive season.
Neha Bora Released, Dipke Arrested: FAQs
Why was Neha Bora released?
Delhi Police released the AISA leader early Saturday morning after she completed detention-related formalities under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act.
Why was Abhijeet Dipke arrested again?
Police initiated fresh action against him under BNSS Sections 126 and 170 (preventive provisions for breach of peace). Police say he had been served two notices to stay away from Central Park but allegedly did not comply.
What is a Special Executive Magistrate court?
The SEM court deals with preventive detention and breach-of-peace proceedings. It can bind a person down with a bond to maintain peace for a specified period.
Were the lawyers allowed to meet Bora?
AISA alleged lawyers who reached the RK Puram police station around midnight were initially not allowed to meet her. Bora said after her release that her lawyers were allowed to meet her only after they managed to contact her.
What happened to the October 16 march?
The march was blocked by police through prohibitory orders, the two-day closure of Central Park, and preventive detentions. Around 150 people were detained on Friday, according to police.
Note: This is a developing story. Details are based on statements from Delhi Police and reports from multiple news agencies as of the morning of October 17, 2026; the situation may change as the SEM court proceedings unfold.