Delhi Police have intensified security preparations ahead of a proposed October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar, with nearly 4,000 personnel deployed across the New Delhi area and entry routes from neighbouring states placed under heightened surveillance.
The protest is being organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has not received permission from Delhi Police so far. CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka alleged in a social media post that right-wing fringe groups had been mobilised from across the country to attack peaceful protesters. He said the demonstration would remain peaceful and wrote, “Haath hamara nahi uthega,” while asserting that violence against people would not be tolerated.
Ranka also addressed Union home minister Amit Shah, saying, “India is watching. This time, it will not be about Delhi Police.” The allegations were made ahead of the proposed mobilisation and were not independently established in the report.
Police preparations follow a large CJP-led agitation in Delhi in July over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. Thousands of protesters had attempted to march towards Parliament and demanded the resignation of then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The latest proposed protest was communicated to Delhi Police by CJP spokesperson Saurav Das on Wednesday.
According to police, 2,873 people who attended or were present near the July agitation at Jantar Mantar were identified through facial-recognition systems as having alleged criminal antecedents. Police said nearly 989 of them were allegedly linked to heinous offences. The figures included 101 people who had been booked in murder cases, including 42 allegedly involved in two or more murder cases and 12 who had been booked in 10 or more murder cases. These are police claims and do not establish convictions or guilt.
Station house officers across Delhi have been asked to monitor whether people identified by the system are travelling towards the New Delhi district. Police are also tracking bus operators and other logistics providers linked to the earlier agitation, while local units have been directed to monitor bus bookings and organised movement from other areas.
Surveillance has been increased on routes from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other adjoining states, with barricades planned at key entry points. Officers have also been asked to engage with universities, colleges and owners of paying guest accommodation and advise them to discourage students from joining the proposed demonstration.
Delhi Police have requisitioned at least 20 companies of Central Armed Police Forces since October 1 for deployment in and around Jantar Mantar. Temporary detention facilities at stadiums are also being considered in case large numbers of protesters arrive and refuse to disperse. The police deployment and access arrangements will determine how the proposed demonstration affects movement and public access in central Delhi on October 10.
