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NEW DELHI, October 10: New Delhi has been placed under tight security ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, with more than 20,000 security personnel expected to be deployed, over 300 surveillance cameras installed and 12 detention centres prepared.
Delhi Police has denied permission for the October 10 demonstration, citing procedural requirements, previous law-and-order concerns and potential security and traffic disruptions.
Authorities have nevertheless stepped up preparations amid indications that protesters may attempt to gather despite the restrictions.
The protest movement is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.
Opposition groups and activists have accused the authorities of removing large numbers of eligible voters from the lists, allegations denied by the Election Commission and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Heavy deployment in sensitive areas
Police have identified a 1.5-kilometre radius covering Jantar Mantar, Janpath, the Election Commission’s office and Delhi Police headquarters as a highly sensitive zone. More than 6,500 personnel are expected to be deployed within the area.
At least seven layers of barricades have been installed on roads leading to the protest venue.
The New Delhi district has also been divided into more than 20 zones to facilitate security coordination and monitoring.
Loudspeakers have been installed at sensitive locations to inform people that the demonstration has not been authorised and to discourage unauthorised gatherings and violence.
12 detention centres, extensive surveillance
Delhi Police has prepared 12 detention centres to accommodate people detained during the security operation.
Senior officers have instructed personnel to exercise restraint, avoid reacting to provocation and handle the situation professionally.
More than 300 CCTV cameras with audio and video recording capabilities have been installed at sensitive locations.
Body-worn cameras are also being provided to senior police officers to document developments and interactions with protesters.
Around 100 photographers and videographers have reportedly been engaged to record events in real time.
Security checks have also been intensified at hotels, guesthouses and other accommodation facilities in central Delhi.
Police are monitoring the movement of potential protesters and coordinating with authorities in neighbouring states.
Internet, metro and train services disrupted
The security measures have affected public transport and communications across parts of the capital.
Mobile internet services have been suspended within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing from 10pm on October 9 until 10pm on October 10.
Entry and exit at 45 Delhi Metro stations have been scheduled to remain closed during specified hours, although interchange facilities are available at affected stations, with an exception at New Delhi station.
Rail services have also been disrupted, with 254 trains—including 75 Mail and Express trains and 179 local trains—reported cancelled between 4am and 2pm on October 10. Commuters have been advised to check their train status before travelling.
Traffic restrictions and diversions have been planned for around 30 road stretches, including areas around Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Mandi House and Janpath.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and allow additional time for essential journeys.
The restrictions are intended to prevent protesters from converging on sensitive locations and to maintain public order.
However, the scale of the security operation has raised concerns about disruptions to daily life, public transport and commercial activity across parts of the capital.
The planned demonstration comes amid mounting political tensions over the electoral roll revision, with opposition parties demanding accountability and the Election Commission defending the process as an effort to improve the accuracy of voter lists. <Cite refs={[“turn827765news12″,”turn827765news17”]}/>
