Delhi Police has intensified security across parts of New Delhi ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10, with the force expecting around 7,000 participants and directing personnel to exercise maximum restraint, an official said.
During a briefing before the demonstration, police personnel were instructed not to react to provocative acts and to handle the situation professionally, according to officials cited in the report. Senior officers have also been directed to ensure that the force remains disciplined throughout the operation.
Police said no unauthorised gathering would be allowed. Personnel have been instructed to detain people arriving to participate in the protest and move them to designated detention centres, sources said. Heavy deployment has been made in several parts of the national capital to maintain law and order.
The planned demonstration has been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The expected turnout has prompted additional arrangements around central New Delhi, including the area near Connaught Place. Security personnel were deployed opposite the Jeevan Bharati Building at the Connaught Place Outer Circle, where entry restrictions were also enforced.
Police have not received an application seeking permission to shift the protest to Ramlila Maidan, officials said. Any such move would require a formal application to the authorities concerned, which would then take a decision on whether the demonstration could be held there.
Senior police officers will remain present at the site and take decisions depending on developments, according to the briefing. Sources also said action could be taken against individuals claiming to be independent journalists if they attempt to provoke police personnel or create a confrontation, depending on the circumstances.
The arrangements place central Delhi’s public spaces and access routes under heightened operational control while the protest is under way. Police have not announced a separate timetable for restrictions or detentions beyond the instructions issued to personnel ahead of the demonstration.
