The national capital was placed under heightened security on Saturday ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Delhi Police deployed its Pink Force, comprising women police personnel, in view of recent incidents of alleged misbehaviour with women officers. Meanwhile, Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel conducted a flag march from Mandi House Circle as part of the security arrangements.
Security was also tightened at Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 3 ahead of the arrival of CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke for the proposed ‘Jantar Mantar 2.0’ protest. Earlier, Delhi Police conducted flag marches across Connaught Place and detained several demonstrators near Janpath.
More than 35,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel have been mobilised across the capital to maintain law and order. The deployment follows directions from the Union Home Ministry amid concerns over possible violence during the demonstration.
Delhi Police denied permission for the gathering, citing previous instances of violence, and directed its personnel to detain individuals attempting to stage demonstrations. Six stadiums and community centres, including Chhatrasal Stadium and Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, have been designated as temporary holding facilities.
As part of measures to ensure transparency and accountability, police personnel on duty have also been equipped with uniform-mounted body cameras capable of recording footage in low-light conditions.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed entry and exit gates at select metro stations in central Delhi as a precautionary measure. Commuters have been advised to use alternative routes in view of the security restrictions.
The arrangements come amid a directive from the Union Home Secretary to states and Union Territories to ensure the maintenance of law and order. Police teams have been instructed to avoid verbal confrontations with protesters, while Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel have been directed not to carry firearms for deployment related to the demonstration.
-ANI
