YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was released in the early hours of Sunday, October 11, 2026, a day after police detained him at his residence in Gurugram. Officials said he was let go at around 3 am.
Why Dhruv Rathee was detained
Police detained Rathee on Saturday at his home in Sector 56, Gurugram. The detention came ahead of a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
The CJP protest is against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and seeks accountability from the Election Commission. Delhi Police had denied permission for the demonstration and placed heavy security and barricades across central Delhi.
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Police warning after release
A police source told PTI that Rathee “can be detained again, or further legal action might be taken if he tries to go to Jantar Mantar”. Prohibitory orders remain in place in the area.
Rathee has not made a public statement on the detention so far.
Over 7,000 protesters detained
According to police sources, more than 7,000 protesters were detained at multiple locations on Saturday. Those detained while trying to join the protest included:
- Arvind Kejriwal, former Delhi chief minister
- Mamata Banerjee, former West Bengal chief minister
- Pinarayi Vijayan, former Kerala chief minister
- Manik Sarkar, former Tripura chief minister
CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were placed under preventive arrest after being detained at the airport. They were scheduled to appear before an Executive Magistrate at Delhi Cantonment Police Station on Sunday morning.
A senior police officer said multiple FIRs are likely to be registered over alleged assaults on police personnel during the protest.
What happens next
The CJP protest enters its second day on Sunday. Police have said fresh action may follow against anyone who tries to reach Jantar Mantar in violation of prohibitory orders.
Frequently asked questions
When was Dhruv Rathee released?
He was released around 3 am on Sunday, October 11, 2026, according to officials.
Where was Dhruv Rathee detained?
Police detained him at his residence in Sector 56, Gurugram, on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Why was Dhruv Rathee detained?
He was detained ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, for which Delhi Police had denied permission.
