Delhi Police has deployed its all-women Pink Force and more than 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel across the capital ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party protest at Jantar Mantar, while select Delhi Metro gates in central Delhi have been closed as part of heightened security measures.
The deployment was ordered ahead of Saturday’s protest, which is demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police denied permission for the gathering, citing previous instances of violence, and directed its teams to detain anyone attempting to stage a demonstration.
The Pink Force has been positioned at key locations following recent incidents of alleged misbehaviour with women police personnel during large demonstrations. Rapid Action Force personnel also conducted a flag march from Mandi House Circle as security arrangements were intensified across central Delhi.
Police carried out additional flag marches in the Connaught Place area, while several demonstrators were detained near Janpath earlier in the day. Security was also tightened at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport ahead of the expected arrival of CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke, who is due to attend the Jantar Mantar 2.0 protest.
Six stadiums and community centres, including Chhatrasal Stadium and Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, have been designated as temporary holding facilities for people detained in connection with attempts to stage the demonstration. The security deployment follows directions from the Union Home Ministry to maintain law and order in the national capital.
The measures also include specific instructions for personnel deployed around the protest. Central Armed Police Forces personnel have been directed not to carry firearms for duties related to the demonstration, while police teams have been authorised to carry lathis and batons. Personnel have been told to avoid verbal confrontations with protesters.
Delhi Police personnel on duty have been equipped with uniform-mounted body cameras capable of recording footage in low-light conditions. An on-duty police official said the cameras were intended to protect both personnel and members of the public, and to record events in situations involving allegations of manhandling or misconduct.
The security restrictions have affected public transport access in central Delhi. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has closed entry and exit gates at select stations as a precautionary measure and advised commuters to use alternative routes. The report did not specify how long the gate closures would remain in effect or identify all affected stations.
Police and paramilitary personnel are expected to remain deployed across key locations while authorities manage the protest-related restrictions and maintain law and order in the city.
