Delhi Police has sealed key central Delhi routes and deployed paramilitary personnel ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s October 10 demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, after violence during the group’s July 20 march prompted a wider security plan across the New Delhi district.
Tolstoy Road, the Shangri-La roundabout and Ashoka Road have been heavily barricaded because they were among the locations where the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march turned violent. More than 37 blocking points have been identified across the New Delhi district, with each assigned to a specific district or police unit, The Indian Express reported.
At Tolstoy Road, 10 barricades have been installed and more than 30 paramilitary personnel are guarding the stretch. A Rapid Action Force personnel member told The Indian Express that the route had been sealed since October 2 and that entry was not being permitted.
The area saw violence during the July 20 march after protesters attempted to move out of the restricted zone. Police used lathis as the crowd tried to break through, following which protesters spread towards Janpath. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma reached Janpath with a loudspeaker and asked protesters to leave. Police and anti-riot forces later used lathicharge, tear gas and water cannons at several locations, including Ashoka Road, Janpath, Raisina Road, Dr Rajendra Prasad Road and Feroze Shah Road.
Security arrangements have also been intensified at the roundabout near the Shangri-La hotel. The road towards Parliament Street police station has been blocked, while traffic police are allowing vehicles to pass one at a time. Cars, including those with blue number plates, are being checked. Police vehicles and additional barricades have been positioned to restrict access to the area.
The roundabout became a gathering point during the July protest as demonstrators moved away from areas where police were using lathis and tear gas. The Indian Express reported that protesters allegedly pelted stones towards the hotel, while security forces fired tear gas from the middle of the roundabout. Police vehicles were also vandalised at several points along Ashoka Road, with protesters reported to have damaged windshields and mirrors of vehicles used by assistant commissioners of police and climbed on police buses.
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar met senior officers at Police Headquarters on Thursday to finalise the arrangements for the October 10 demonstration. According to a senior officer quoted by The Indian Express, police decided not to grant permission for any dharna or protest at Jantar Mantar on the day. District heads were directed to establish special detention centres and prevent protesters from reaching the central protest areas by stopping them within their respective districts.
The security plan extends beyond roads and public spaces. Police have checked hotels and guesthouses across the capital and instructed them not to accommodate new visitors who appear to be arriving for the protest. The establishments have also been asked to inform local police if they identify anyone considered suspicious, the officer said.
The restrictions are expected to affect movement through central Delhi, particularly around Parliament Street, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Raisina Road and adjoining routes. The police plan, as described in the report, is focused on preventing a repeat of the violence witnessed during the July 20 march and keeping demonstrators away from designated government and institutional areas.
