Security arrangements around Delhi’s Jantar Mantar face heightened attention after Abhishek Thakur Sanatani, a supporter and friend of independent activist Swatantra Bhardwaj, posted videos appearing to threaten violence against people expected to attend a protest on October 10.
According to Live Hindustan, the protest has been called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In the videos uploaded on his X account, Thakur referred to alleged assaults on Delhi Police personnel and women police officers and said those responsible had been identified and were “on the radar”.
He also warned people planning to gather at Jantar Mantar to remain alert and look around them. His comments included references to detention during protests and to police personnel carrying out their duties. The report said he threatened retaliation against people accused of misbehaving with or assaulting police officers.
Thakur further used language suggesting that an initial act of violence could happen soon, saying that the “first wicket” would fall quickly. He did not clearly identify the person or group he was referring to, according to the report. He ended one of the videos by calling for increased security.
The reported statements come after Swatantra Bhardwaj, who was arrested and jailed in connection with violence during the CJP’s first protest, was released on bail. Live Hindustan described Thakur as Bhardwaj’s friend and supporter. The report did not provide details of any police case or official response specifically concerning Thakur’s videos.
Jantar Mantar is a designated protest location in central Delhi, where demonstrations are subject to police permissions and public-order restrictions. Threats involving violence at such a site can affect protesters, police personnel, passers-by and the agencies responsible for regulating the gathering. The source report, however, did not state whether the Delhi Police had confirmed an investigation, issued a public advisory or changed the security plan for October 10.
The videos also refer to political figures and organisations, including Sonia Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal and the CJP. Those references form part of the reported speaker’s remarks and do not, by themselves, establish that any named person or organisation endorsed the threats. The source report did not attribute the alleged threats to the CJP as an organisation.
The immediate public-interest issue is whether authorities have assessed the videos and whether adequate arrangements are in place to prevent clashes at the proposed protest. Any further police statement, preventive action or change to the permissions and security plan for the October 10 gathering will determine the next stage of the matter.
