The Delhi Police has detained more than 200 people who arrived in the national capital from different states to participate in the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday.
The detentions come amid heightened security across Delhi ahead of the demonstration, which has been called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
More than 35,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the national capital ahead of the proposed protest, according to ANI, as authorities step up measures to prevent unauthorised gatherings and maintain law and order.
The deployment includes over 120 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), with personnel stationed at key intersections, transport hubs and other sensitive locations.
The New Delhi district has been divided into 20 zones to strengthen monitoring, with joint commissioners, deputy commissioners and additional deputy commissioners assigned supervisory responsibilities. Special commissioners heading various units are also overseeing the security arrangements.
Additional women police personnel have been brought in from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, while mock drills have been conducted to assess preparedness for possible disturbances.
According to ANI, police teams have been instructed to detain anyone attempting to hold an unauthorised demonstration, irrespective of the location.
CAPF personnel have been directed not to carry weapons during protest-related deployments, while Delhi Police personnel are authorised to carry lathis and batons. Officers have also been advised to avoid verbal confrontations with protesters amid concerns over videos of police interactions being circulated online.
Body Cameras, Drones And Facial Recognition Systems Deployed For Security
Technology has been incorporated into the security arrangements, with police using recording devices and deploying aerial and rooftop surveillance to monitor the situation.
Personnel assigned to protest duty are wearing body cameras on their uniforms. The devices can record footage in low-light conditions, helping document interactions between police officers and protesters.
A police official explained that the recordings could help establish the facts if allegations of manhandling arise.
“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.
According to ANI, the security plan also includes facial recognition systems, additional CCTV cameras, drones and rooftop spotters across central Delhi.
Meanwhile, police are monitoring social media activity linked to the proposed demonstration. More than 200 content creators are reportedly under scrutiny as authorities examine posts and messages that could be associated with efforts to mobilise participants.
