Overnight Delhi turned into a fortress ahead of CJP's 5pm 'Lehra Do Tiranga' call at Connaught Place's Central Park, with Section 163 imposed, park shut and thousands of personnel deployed.
The Supreme Court declined urgent relief on traders' plea citing Rs 200 crore daily loss, observing some want to agitate while others want to sell peanuts and hoping better sense prevails.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc of seeking Bangladesh-style regime change, a charge amplified by BJP leaders.
Police served notices at Abhijeet Dipke's residence barring unlawful gathering, then took him into preventive custody as he left, later picking up AISA's Neha Bora near Mandi House. About 150 supporters were detained as an SFI-led march reached Central Park, prompting opposition condemnation and police plans for FIRs for violating prohibitory orders.