Delhi is witnessing an extensive security operation on Saturday as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) presses ahead with its call for a protest at Jantar Mantar despite police refusing permission.
With authorities
anticipating a large mobilisation, elaborate arrangements made in the run-up to October 10 are now in force across the national capital.
The demonstration, dubbed ‘Jantar Mantar 2.0’, has been called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. A few protesters have already been detained near Janpath in the Connaught Place area.
Over 35,000 Personnel Deployed, 20 Security Zones Created
More than 35,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel are deployed across the national capital, according to ANI, as authorities seek to prevent unauthorised gatherings and maintain law and order.
The deployment includes support from more than 120 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), with personnel positioned at key intersections, transport hubs and other sensitive locations.
For closer supervision, the New Delhi district has been divided into 20 zones, with joint commissioners, deputy commissioners and additional deputy commissioners assigned monitoring responsibilities. Special commissioners heading various units are also overseeing the security operation.
Additional women police personnel have been called in from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Police have also conducted mock drills to test their response to possible disturbances.
According to ANI, Delhi Police teams have been instructed to detain anyone attempting to stage an unauthorised demonstration, regardless of where it takes place.
CAPF units have been directed not to issue weapons for protest-related deployment, while Delhi Police personnel are authorised to carry lathis and batons.
Officers have also been advised against engaging in verbal confrontations with protesters amid concerns about videos of police interactions being circulated online.
Six Detention Centres
Delhi Police has designated six facilities for accommodating protesters detained during Saturday’s demonstration. According to ANI, the locations are Chhatrasal Stadium, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Yamuna Sports Complex, Surajmal Stadium and community centres in Daulatpur and Pandrawal.
Police have already detained a few protesters near Janpath in the Connaught Place area on Saturday.
Police sources told PTI that around 30 to 40 people with criminal records were picked up ahead of the demonstration as part of efforts to prevent possible disturbances.
The authorities are also monitoring individuals suspected of being able to mobilise crowds for the protest. Surveillance has been increased near their residences, and police are tracking their movements.
Body Cameras, Drones And Facial Recognition Systems
Technology is another major component of the security arrangements, with police using recording equipment and planning aerial and rooftop surveillance to monitor developments.
Personnel deployed for Saturday’s protest are wearing body cameras on their uniforms. The devices can record footage even in darkness, helping document interactions between officers and protesters.
A police personnel explained that the cameras could help establish the facts if allegations of manhandling were made.
“These body cams are to protect us and others. In situations of manhandling, allegations are levelled against Delhi Police. So, these body cams will prove whether we did anything to anyone or not. This will record everything…” the personnel said.
The security plan also includes facial recognition systems, additional CCTV cameras, drones and rooftop spotters across central Delhi, according to ANI.
Police are simultaneously examining social media activity linked to the proposed demonstration. More than 200 content creators are reportedly under scrutiny as authorities monitor posts and messages that could be connected to efforts to mobilise participants.
Traffic Diversions, Border Checks And Heightened Vigil
Traffic restrictions came into force at 6 am on Saturday, with Delhi Traffic Police identifying several intersections where movement could be regulated according to the security situation.
The affected areas include Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, Mandi House and Patel Chowk, along with major intersections on Ashoka Road, Janpath, Sansad Marg and surrounding stretches.
Other locations where traffic may be affected include the Minto Road-Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg junction, Barakhamba Road, Lodhi Road flyover and stretches near Bhikaji Cama Place and Moti Bagh.
Police personnel are stationed at barricades and checking vehicles at selected locations. The security operation also extends to Delhi’s borders, where additional checks are being conducted on vehicles entering the capital.
Hotels, guest houses, lodges and dharamshalas are being checked, while vigilance has been increased at railway stations, bus terminals and other transit points.
Delhi Traffic Police has said diversions may be tightened or relaxed depending on developments on the ground.
Commuters have been advised to allow additional travel time, particularly when travelling through central Delhi towards railway stations, inter-state bus terminals or the airport.
Home Ministry Directs States To Coordinate With Delhi Police
The Union Home Ministry has also asked states and Union Territories to take preventive measures amid concerns that CJP supporters may attempt to enter Delhi despite the denial of permission.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has written to police chiefs across the country, asking them to coordinate with Delhi Police and strengthen security arrangements.
The communication refers to the potential implications of a large mobilisation for law and order.
“I write to draw your immediate attention to the grave law & order and public order implications arising from a proposed mass mobilisation by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, scheduled for 10.10.2026,” the letter states.
It also refers to the Delhi Police order dated October 9 rejecting the request to hold the demonstration.
Police are additionally making appeals through religious places, urging people to maintain peace and cooperate with the authorities.
Why Delhi Police Denied Permission For The Protest
Delhi Police refused permission for the October 10 demonstration citing serious law-and-order concerns, possible inconvenience to the public and alleged violations of conditions during previous protests.
In a letter to CJP co-convenor Saurav Das and joint secretary Balkrishna, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi district, said the proposed gathering could lead to security problems. “In the larger public interest, the permission sought cannot be granted and is hereby denied,” the letter stated.
Police also raised objections over the timing and manner of the request.
According to the prescribed guidelines, applications to hold programmes at Jantar Mantar must be submitted at least 10 days before the proposed event.
Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said on Friday that the application was submitted on October 7, leaving only three days before the demonstration.
The authorities also referred to earlier instances in which protest conditions were allegedly breached, including demonstrations continuing beyond permitted hours.
Despite the refusal, CJP has urged supporters to gather at Jantar Mantar. “10th October. Jantar Mantar 2.0. We’re coming together again to raise our voice against Gyanesh Kumar. Thousands of us are expected…,” the outfit said in an Instagram post.
Apart from Kumar’s resignation, the party is demanding that the SIR exercise be scrapped and an independent process introduced for selecting Election Commissioners.
