At least 1,000 people were detained overnight across Delhi ahead of a protest scheduled for Saturday by the Cockroach Janta Party-All India Students’ Association, with police preparing a large security operation and warning that the gathering could create a serious law and order issue.
The protest has been called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police officials said the detentions were preventive and followed the identification of people who had previously mobilised protesters or contributed to what authorities described as an “unlawful” situation.
Around 250 of those detained by 12.30 am were from the South East Delhi district, particularly areas around Shaheen Bagh, according to a police source cited by The Indian Express. Shaheen Bagh was the centre of the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests in 2020. More than 100 people were detained from Shahdara and East Delhi, districts that border Uttar Pradesh, another Delhi Police official said.
The detainees are expected to be moved to 13 major detention centres earmarked across Delhi’s districts ahead of the protest. The police operation comes as CJP leaders were scheduled to arrive in the capital at about 10.15 am on Saturday.
More than 30,000 personnel were planned for deployment across the city, according to the report. Police said all border areas would be heavily guarded, with personnel arranged in shifts to maintain a continuous presence through the day and night. The deployment plan includes inspectors, platoons, male and female personnel, additional forces and reserves for reinforcement.
Inter-district border pickets have also been established between Central Delhi and New Delhi districts, as well as at connecting points involving South, South-East and South-West Delhi. The measures are expected to affect movement towards central Delhi, where the protest-related activity is anticipated.
Access restrictions were already visible on roads near the New Delhi area. Ashoka Road and Tolstoy Road, which are within walking distance of the central zone, were reported to have 10 barricades and more than 30 paramilitary personnel guarding the stretch. The police have not announced when the barricades and heightened deployment will be withdrawn.
