New Delhi: Delhi is on high alert on Saturday as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) prepares to stage a major protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar. Authorities have planned a deployment of over 20,000 police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel, alongside restrictions on metro, rail and internet services. Police have denied permission for the demonstration, but CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has said supporters will proceed with the protest.
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- CJP founder challenges restrictions: Abhijeet Dipke accused the Centre of targeting protesters through restrictions on rail and metro services, internet curbs and police visits to residential areas. Calling peaceful protest a fundamental right, he said the party would continue its fight for free and fair elections despite the possibility of arrest or detention. Dipke also questioned the deployment of security forces in Delhi and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of fearing public dissent.
- Heavy security deployment: Over 20,000 personnel from Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces are expected to be deployed to maintain law and order.
- 45 Metro stations shut: Entry and exit gates at 45 stations, including Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk and Kashmere Gate, will remain closed.
- Over 250 trains cancelled: Services scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m. have been cancelled.
- Internet suspended: Internet services have been suspended for 24 hours within a 4-kilometre radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing, starting at 10 p.m. Friday.
- Sensitive zone under tight security: More than 6,500 personnel will guard a 1.5-kilometre stretch covering Jantar Mantar, Janpath, the Election Commission’s office and Delhi Police headquarters.
- Seven layers of barricading: Multiple barricades have been installed along roads leading to Jantar Mantar, with some barriers welded together to prevent breaches.
- Hotels and properties under scrutiny: Police are checking hotels and lodges, while property owners have been advised to alert authorities about suspected protest participants.
- CCTV and video surveillance intensified: More than 300 CCTV cameras with audio recording capabilities have been installed at sensitive locations. Body cameras and hundreds of photographers and videographers will document the police response.
- Police appeal for restraint: Authorities have urged people not to participate in the unauthorised gathering and appealed for restraint amid allegations of misconduct during previous demonstrations.
- CJP vows to proceed: Founder Abhijeet Dipke has questioned the restrictions, arguing that shutting metro and rail services and blocking roads would itself inconvenience the public.
The heightened security comes amid scrutiny of police conduct during recent protests, including allegations of excessive force. Authorities are seeking to prevent a repeat of the unrest witnessed during the July 20 paper leak protests.
