Delhi Police has asked the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to extend the deployment of 273 Central Armed Police Forces companies in the national capital until October 20, citing inputs about a possible fresh round of protests by Cockroach Janta Party activists and allied organisations.
The request was made in a letter sent on Monday from the office of the Special Commissioner of Police (Operations) to the Home Ministry. The deployment of central forces in Delhi was due to lapse on Monday, and the police said an unforeseen law-and-order situation could arise without the additional personnel.
The Home Ministry had sanctioned 301 companies for deployment in the capital—221 on October 6 and a further 80 on October 8. Each company has approximately 100 personnel. Delhi Police has requested that 273 of the 301 companies remain deployed beyond October 12.
According to the letter, police inputs indicate that activists from the CJP and other organisations may intensify protests at Jantar Mantar and near the Election Commission office. The demonstrations are reportedly linked to a demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The police communication said activists could also attempt to assemble at other vital installations and march towards the Election Commission office, Parliament, India Gate, and the offices and residences of ministers. It said such movements could create a law-and-order situation requiring rapid deployment of additional personnel across the capital.
The letter also named the Bhim Army and student unions among organisations whose members could join the proposed programme. It referred to possible demonstrations by political outfits and what it described as anti-social elements at Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations.
Delhi Police said the apprehension of a prolonged agitation was further substantiated by statements attributed to prominent CJP members. The police requested adequate allocation of central forces to enable quick deployment during any emerging situation.
The communication also flagged that 28 of the 80 additional companies sanctioned for Delhi had not yet reported to the city police. “In view of this, it is requested to extend the deployment period of only 273 companies out of 301 companies of CAPFs till October 20 beyond October 12,” the letter stated.
