Curbs fail to mute anti-SIR chorus sweeping states

From Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson being held for 10 hours in Mumbai to police stopping marches in multiple cities, Saturday's anti-SIR protests triggered detentions and security clampdowns across states.

Demonstrators demanded CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and withdrawal of SIR of poll rolls.In Mumbai, cops detained Tushar Gandhi, actor Imran Khan and others, while barricades blocked access to August Kranti Maidan. Tushar was picked up near National College at 9.30am and released at 7.30pm. His daughter Kasturi Gandhi was also detained. She said overcrowded police stations forced police to take her farther away.

Hundreds gathered near the maidan in small groups, shouting slogans and causing traffic congestion.In Pune, police detained 92 people attempting to hold a rally without permission. They were released after a few hours. In Nashik, 26 protesters, including six women, were detained during a march attended by around 300 people demanding Kumar's removal.

In Vijayawada, police stopped a Congress, CPI and CPM-backed march towards Lok Bhavan to submit a memorandum to the governor.

Several politicians and activists were detained, while others were placed under house arrest.In Prayagraj, Disha Chhatra Sangathan and Naujawan Bharat Sabha protested against SIR, Kumar and EVMs, demanding cancellation of SIR and a return to ballot-paper voting. Heavy police deployment, drones and cameras outnumbered protesters.In Ranchi, RJD held a procession alleging vote theft and opposing the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act.In Guwahati, 300 people gathered at Chachal in solidarity with CJP-led protests in Delhi. Police stopped them from taking out a procession.