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Delhi is preparing for one of its biggest security deployments for a protest in recent years, with around 26,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel
expected to be available in the capital, up to 15,000 Delhi Police personnel likely to be mobilised and over 500 women personnel being deployed ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) October 10 demonstration.
Police have also directed officers to wear body cameras to record their interactions with protesters, as authorities brace for a possible turnout of more than 50,000 people, including those arriving from neighbouring states.
The CJP and the All India Students’ Association (AISA) have called for a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition parties are also expected to join the mobilisation.
The Union Home Ministry has made 221 companies of central forces, comprising around 23,000 personnel, available to Delhi Police between October 8 and 12.
With existing deployments and additional personnel, the total central force strength in the capital is expected to reach around 26,000. Another 450-500 women paramilitary personnel are being brought in, over and above women officers of Delhi Police, amid expectations of significant participation by women protesters.
Body Cameras, Detention Centres And Border Checks
The body cameras come amid allegations of manhandling during recent protests. Three women journalists had alleged sexual harassment by police personnel during an October 3 demonstration. The complaints have been referred to the Crime Branch for investigation. The cameras are intended to record police-protester interactions and provide footage if allegations of misconduct arise.
Police are also preparing around 10 temporary detention centres, including facilities at stadiums, in case large crowds arrive and refuse to disperse. Security checks are being stepped up at Delhi’s borders, particularly along routes from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, while police are monitoring bus movement and arrivals from other states.
Railways Cancel Trains, Delhi Metro Shuts 57 Stations
The restrictions extend beyond the protest site. Railways has ordered the cancellation of Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10, citing anticipated severe traffic congestion.
Police are coordinating with cab aggregators over access to central Delhi, while hotels and guest houses have been asked to restrict fresh bookings.
Liquor shops have also been ordered to remain shut on October 9 and 10.
Meanwhile, Delhi Metro has announced that 57 of its stations will remain shut.
CJP Protest Denied Permission: Delhi Police
Delhi Police has denied permission for the CJP-AISA demonstration, citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The police said CJP co-convener Saurav Das submitted an intimation on October 7, only three days before the proposed protest, whereas applications for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar must be filed at least 10 days in advance. Police have warned that action will be taken against anyone violating the orders.
The CJP has called for the protest over alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and is demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The Election Commission has defended its procedures, while the dispute has fuelled days of demonstrations by opposition parties, student groups and activists across Delhi.
