11 October,2026 03:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Dhruv Rathee claims he was ‘kidnapped` (File pic)
YouTuber Dhruv Rathee on Sunday, while posting a video on social media, claimed that he was "kidnapped" from his residence by people in plain clothes and taken to different police stations ahead of the planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi on October 10.
In a video posted on X, Dhruv Rathee said that around 20 people in plain clothes entered his house around 7 am on Saturday while he was sleeping.
The YouTuber further claimed that they took him away before he could ask who they were.
He further said that he was taken to different police stations and was not allowed to contact his lawyer or access a phone for around 22-23 hours. He also claimed he sustained injuries while being taken out of his bedroom.
Rathee said, "I was not detained, I was kidnapped,", describing his experience and questioning the manner in which he was taken from his residence.
Addressing rumours about his citizenship, Rathee also displayed his passport in the video and asserted that he is an Indian citizen. He also rejected claims that he had not intended to participate in the protest.
Rathee was detained at his Gurugram residence ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
The demonstration was called to demand the CEC's resignation over concerns about the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
In the video, Rathee criticised the restrictions imposed ahead of the protest and described the situation as an "unofficial emergency". He said he would continue to raise his voice on issues concerning the country.
Rathee further claimed that people were monitoring his movements and that he was unable to leave his house.
Dhruv Rathee, who was detained by Delhi Police ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, was released late on Saturday night, an official said on Sunday.
"He can be detained again, or further legal action might be taken if he tries to go to Jantar Mantar despite prohibitory orders," a police source said.
(With inputs from PTI)
