Police put up barricades and deployed additional personnel in central Delhi to prevent protesters from reaching the protest area on Friday. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)
The Delhi Police has registered three FIRs against unidentified people in connection with attempts to hold a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar on Friday. Two FIRs were lodged at Parliament Street police station and one at Connaught Place police station.
The FIRs were lodged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections broadly relating to disobedience of an order issued by a public servant, obstruction of a public servant in the discharge of duty, use of criminal force against a public servant, and acts committed by several persons in furtherance of a common intention.
On Friday, thousands joined protests in Mumbai and Delhi to demand CEC Kumar’s resignation amid questions over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
While the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) led a demonstration in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, 550 people were detained in Delhi as Aam Aadmi Party leaders, Left student outfits, and civil society members tried to make their way to Jantar Mantar. AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj, former Delhi chief minister Atishi, activist Yogendra Yadav and AISA president Neha Bora were among those detained.
The Delhi Police had denied permission for the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar and imposed prohibitory orders in the New Delhi district. Police put up barricades and deployed additional personnel in central Delhi to prevent protesters from reaching the designated protest area. Entry and exit at several Metro stations in central Delhi were also temporarily closed as part of the security arrangements.
The three FIRs have been registered as part of the police action following the attempted gathering.
Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital.
Professional Background
Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance.
Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh).
Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India.
Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life.
Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025)
Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability:
1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation
Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort:
Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025).
The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025).
Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025).
2. Crime & Police Accountability
"Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025).
"Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025).
Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025).
3. Governance & Public Policy
"13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025).
Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025).
Signature Style
Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read More
Police put up barricades and deployed additional personnel in central Delhi to prevent protesters from reaching the protest area on Friday. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra)