New Delhi: Former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, K N Balagopal, CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby and Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas are reportedly in police custody ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday.

The reported police action comes amid heightened security across the national capital ahead of the demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral roll revision.

Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed gathering, citing law-and-order concerns and procedural issues. Authorities have deployed additional police and paramilitary personnel, set up barricades and introduced restrictions to prevent protesters from assembling at the designated site.

The CJP protest centres on allegations surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Critics have raised concerns that the exercise could exclude eligible voters, while the Election Commission and the BJP have denied wrongdoing.

The planned demonstration has drawn support from political groups, student organisations and activists, with organisers insisting on their right to protest.

Further details about the circumstances surrounding the reported custody of the four leaders were awaited.