The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the deployment of 273 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Delhi until October 31, citing the possibility of sudden protests by political and other groups at sensitive locations across the national capital. The decision marks the second extension of the security arrangement, which was introduced earlier this month following protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Official sources said on Friday that the additional deployment would continue alongside the Delhi Police to help maintain law and order.

According to officials, the Delhi Police had informed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) about the possibility of flash protests by political organisations and other outfits at various sensitive locations in the city. The police requested that the deployment of central forces be continued to ensure adequate security and prevent potential law-and-order problems. The ministry accepted the request, allowing the 273 companies to remain in Delhi for the extended period. Officials said the assessment of possible protests was the principal reason behind the decision.

The MHA issued directions to the Delhi Police and the respective CAPFs on October 22 to coordinate the continued deployment, sources told the Press Trust of India. The latest order follows a similar extension approved in mid-October, indicating that the authorities have decided to maintain the additional security presence beyond the forces’ initial deployment period. The latest extension will remain in effect until October 31. The move is intended to ensure that the Delhi Police and central forces can coordinate their responsibilities at locations considered sensitive by the authorities.

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The 273 companies comprise personnel from six central security forces, with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) accounting for the largest share. A total of 125 CRPF companies will remain deployed in the capital, including 20 units comprising women personnel. The Rapid Action Force (RAF), which specialises in handling situations involving public disturbances, accounts for another 20 companies. The Border Security Force (BSF) will contribute 46 companies, while 39 companies from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will also continue their deployment. These forces will operate alongside the local police as part of the broader security arrangement.

The remaining deployment includes 31 companies from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and 12 from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Together, the personnel from the CRPF, RAF, BSF, ITBP, SSB and CISF make up the total of 273 companies approved for continued deployment. The composition reflects the involvement of multiple central forces in supporting the Delhi Police’s security arrangements. Their presence is expected to provide additional manpower as authorities prepare for the possibility of demonstrations at locations identified as sensitive.

The deployment was initially linked to protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party earlier in October. The latest extension, however, follows the Delhi Police’s assessment that other political and non-political groups could also stage sudden demonstrations in different parts of the city. Officials said the additional forces were required to ensure adequate arrangements for maintaining public order. The extension does not, by itself, confirm that further protests will take place; rather, it reflects the authorities’ decision to retain additional security personnel in anticipation of potential gatherings. The central forces will remain deployed alongside the Delhi Police until October 31 under the latest approval.

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