140 Detained in Mumbai as Jamia Protests Continue, Rahul Gandhi Plans ‘Chalo Dilli’ Rally

Protests over student rights, alleged caste discrimination and voter-list deletions gathered momentum on Monday, with police detentions in Mumbai, a fresh legal confrontation at Jamia Millia Islamia and the Opposition preparing a major rally in Delhi.

In Mumbai, stand-up comedian Masoom Rajwani was among those detained during a candlelight vigil at Chaityabhoomi in Dadar on Sunday in memory of Sahil Wakode, an IIT Bombay student who died by suicide on September 18. Around 20 to 25 people were detained at the site, while approximately 120 others were taken into preventive custody at Shivaji Park during a separate protest by tribal youth. Police said the gatherings lacked permission and the action was taken to maintain law and order.

Wakode’s family and student groups have alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment. The case has intensified demands for accountability at the institute, while tribal protesters are seeking better hostel facilities, improvements in residential schools and changes to the contractual kitchen system. Rajwani and other protesters also alleged excessive use of force during the detentions.

At Jamia Millia Islamia, the administration lodged a police complaint against Congress MPs Imran Masood and Imran Pratapgarhi, accusing them of trespassing on campus and contributing to unrest during a student agitation. The protest, which began on October 12, centres on restoring the students’ union, whose elections have not been held since 2006.

Following negotiations, the university announced concessions, including holding union elections within 15 days of approval of the union constitution, revoking disciplinary notices and suspensions, and setting up a committee to examine security personnel’s conduct. However, uncertainty remains over whether the agreement will end the agitation, with students demanding a definite election timeline and further assurances.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has called for a ‘Chalo Dilli’ march and rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 as part of the INDIA bloc’s campaign against alleged voter-list deletions under the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Gandhi has urged students, farmers, workers, women and traders to join the mobilisation, alleging that names were unlawfully removed from electoral rolls.

The Opposition is also planning a public protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30. The Election Commission’s revision exercise remains at the centre of the political dispute, with the Opposition demanding accountability and the poll body maintaining that the process is intended to ensure accurate electoral rolls.