“I am using the word ‘kidnapped’ because this was neither an arrest nor a detention,” he said, alleging that the personnel did not identify themselves or explain why they were taking him away.
Rathee claimed he was dragged down the stairs, sustained injuries and was not allowed to put on his slippers before being bundled into a jeep. He said his phone and those belonging to his parents were taken away, and that he was moved between police stations.
He further alleged that he was denied access to a lawyer and a phone for approximately 22–23 hours, and that his parents were manhandled during the operation. According to reports and CJP social media posts, Rathee was released late on Saturday night.
The police have described the operation as preventive, saying they sought to stop Rathee from travelling to an unauthorised gathering. Delhi Police had denied permission for the CJP’s protest, citing security concerns and procedural requirements. Authorities deployed personnel across the capital and detained protesters at several locations to prevent them from reaching Jantar Mantar.
The CJP demonstration was called to demand the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the SIR exercise. The crackdown extended to activists and other people associated with the protest, amid extensive security arrangements and restrictions on public transport.
Rathee, meanwhile, described his treatment as evidence of India’s slide towards dictatorship, calling it an “unofficial Emergency”. He alleged that people had been stationed around his home to monitor his movements and prevent him from leaving.
Rathee ended his statement by thanking supporters and vowing to continue speaking out on issues concerning the country. “The more you suppress people, the louder and more forcefully they will raise their voices,” he said.
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