Intelligence agencies have warned that Friday’s “Lehra Do Tiranga” programme at Central Park, Connaught Place, could spill beyond its symbolic flag-hoisting. Participants may try to convert it into an indefinite
sit-in demanding the release of jailed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, top intelligence sources said.
The sources said the assessment fears participants may refuse to vacate the venue once the 5 pm programme ends. They cited the June 20 protest, when permission was granted only until 5 pm but the demonstration continued as a sit-in for over a month. Though NDMC has closed the Central Park for public, a gathering is expected.
Agencies also expect supporters not to head straight to Central Park. Instead, they may assemble in small groups at different locations, creating simultaneous gatherings across Central and New Delhi Districts, the sources said. Heavy use of social media for mobilisation and livestreaming, along with last-minute changes of venue or route, is expected to complicate crowd management and traffic regulation, particularly during evening peak hours.
The sources said that if restrictions are imposed at Central Park, some groups may try to march towards Parliament House, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the PMO, the Supreme Court, political party offices and the residences of senior public representatives. Security around these locations has been flagged as a priority.
The assessment also cautions about disorder. Overcrowding, rumours or provocation could trigger pushing, scuffles or damage to public property in and around Central Park, the sources said, adding that anti-social elements could exploit the gathering to indulge in unlawful activity.
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke announced the programme on October 14 under the message “Waving a Tiranga is Not a Crime”. CJP has not responded.
Past protests behind the apprehension
The sources said the agencies’ fears are rooted in earlier CJP demonstrations. During the October 10 protest, stone-pelting and an attack on police personnel near Akashvani Bhawan were reported, leaving two policemen injured. Incidents of confrontation were also reported on October 11.
On July 20, organisers reportedly violated prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS in New Delhi District, with participants allegedly trying to go beyond the designated protest area despite curbs on unauthorised processions and assemblies.
The sources added that turnout at earlier protests considerably exceeded the numbers communicated by organisers, and some participants allegedly broke through police barricades. Agencies fear a similar unexpected surge this time, as supporters from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of Delhi-NCR, besides students and youth groups, may join.
Preventive measures
Public social media platforms are to be monitored for mobilisation calls, gathering points and last-minute changes.
Preventive arrangements have also been proposed at railway stations, Metro stations and bus terminals, with adequate force and crowd-management equipment kept ready. Security around vital installations and VIP areas in New Delhi and Central Districts is to be tightened, and police are to stay deployed until the crowd has completely dispersed.
