New Delhi is bracing for a significant security operation as over 6,000 Delhi Police personnel and 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are being deployed for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Central Park, Connaught Place. An expanded network of CCTV cameras is also in place to monitor the event, scheduled for Friday evening.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the extensive security measures encompass Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk, Central Park, Jantar Mantar, Palika Bazaar, and nearby Metro stations. Additional personnel have been requisitioned from other districts to preempt any potential law and order disturbances during the planned demonstration, which is slated to commence at 5 p.m.
Authorities have established barricades at multiple key points, including Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, ITO, and Sansad Marg. The primary objective of the security deployment is to effectively manage the multiple entry and exit points of the busy commercial hub without causing undue disruption to public movement.
A senior police official indicated that 5,000 additional personnel have been reserved from various districts to supplement the existing deployment. The coordination of these forces includes the deployment of 220 CAPF companies, which will also extend their coverage to adjoining districts, border areas, and other significant locations within the capital.
During each shift, thirty CAPF companies will be actively engaged in maintaining security. The arrangement includes three shifts throughout the day, with the potential to increase the security contingent if the situation escalates, particularly if crowd numbers swell significantly or the demonstration extends into the night. The officer stated, “If the crowd swells during the night and we need more security, we will increase the strength to 60 companies in one shift.”
Surveillance capabilities have also been enhanced, with over 10 CCTV cameras installed in and around Central Park and Rajiv Chowk. These cameras are intended to monitor the gathering, record activities, and preserve footage in the event of any violations or untoward incidents. The officer further explained, “Since there were hardly any cameras at Central Park and a large gathering of people is expected, we have installed new cameras.”
In anticipation of the event, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park will be closed to the public on Friday and Saturday, citing “administrative reasons.” Delhi Police has, however, indicated a possibility of facilitating a select group of individuals to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location.
The march has been announced in the context of a standoff between the CJP and Delhi Police concerning protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The CJP’s call for the march followed the judicial custody of its leaders, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, for allegedly entering Jantar Mantar on October 13.
Student organizations, activists, and supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are expected to participate in the proposed demonstration. Police are taking into account the numerous access routes to the area and the potential for crowds to spread into adjacent market areas. Senior police officials are also strategizing the deployment and movement of personnel to ensure that the security arrangements do not unnecessarily impede commuters or commercial activities.
Delhi Police PRO Neha Yadav confirmed that permission for the march has not been granted. She further stated that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, which disallow mass gatherings, are already in effect in Connaught Place and its surrounding areas. The security plan also incorporates the closure of Central Park, with the NDMC having requested comprehensive arrangements to prevent any unauthorized entry.
Yadav also noted that market and trade associations operating in and around Connaught Place have submitted written requests seeking protection for their establishments, expressing concerns that large gatherings could negatively impact business. The police have urged the public to refrain from participating in unauthorized gatherings and have issued a warning that action will be taken against individuals found violating prohibitory orders or disturbing public peace. Yadav added, “We are ready to grant permission to a select few protesters for a flag march at some other spot,” emphasizing that any such alternative arrangement would require a suitable location.
The Chenab Times News Desk