The Delhi Police stepped up security across central Delhi on Wednesday ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s arrival to submit an intimation letter seeking permission for a march at Jantar Mantar on October 10. Additional security measures were put in place around Parliament Street police station, Sansad and Tolstoy Marg, while the protest site, the Election Commission of India office and surrounding roads remained heavily barricaded. The move comes amid heightened tensions following several recent demonstrations over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
CJP co-convener Saurav Das said he would submit the intimation letter at 10 am on Wednesday. Announcing the planned action on X, Das said the Constitution of India allowed citizens to assemble peacefully and exercise their right to protest. The group has announced its proposed demonstration to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations linked to the revision of electoral rolls. The Delhi Police’s increased deployment is aimed at maintaining security around key government and administrative areas as the group seeks permission for the October 10 march.
Police officials said additional pickets had been established near the Election Commission office, Sansad Marg, Barakhamba Road and Connaught Place, with vehicles undergoing checks in the areas. Security was also increased around Connaught Place after a group of women protesters arrived there on Tuesday night. Loudspeakers have been installed across parts of Lutyens’ Delhi to make announcements regarding prohibitory orders. The measures come after several groups, including the CJP, AISA, the INDIA bloc and AAP, held demonstrations in different parts of the capital in recent days.
Also Read: Delhi Court Questions Police Delay In MCOCA Case, Describes Proceedings As “Merely Eyewash”
More than 150 police personnel equipped with body cameras have also been deployed during the heightened security arrangements. A senior police officer said the cameras were intended to record protests, confrontations and detentions amid what police described as increased scrutiny of officers. The deployment follows complaints by three women who alleged that police personnel sexually harassed them during a similar protest held on Saturday. Police said the three complaints had been taken up and transferred to the Crime Branch for investigation.
The latest security measures follow action taken by police during demonstrations earlier this week. Around 260 people, including 10 MPs, were detained during an INDIA bloc protest on Tuesday. Police said no permission had been sought or granted for the demonstration and that protesters continued their agitation despite prohibitory orders imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in the New Delhi jurisdiction. On Monday, police arrested 17 people and registered five FIRs in connection with similar protests at Jantar Mantar.
With the CJP now seeking permission for a march on October 10, security agencies are closely monitoring developments around Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations in central Delhi. The proposed demonstration comes against the backdrop of repeated protests over the Election Commission and the electoral-roll revision process. The police are expected to assess the request while continuing enhanced security, vehicle checks, barricading and surveillance in areas that have witnessed demonstrations in recent days.
Also Read: Vivek Bhagat’s Additional DCP Charge Withheld Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations