Delhi Police and paramilitary forces have deployed more than 20,000 personnel across the national capital ahead of a protest by the Cockroach Janata Party and several student groups scheduled for October 10, a senior police officer said on Thursday. The officer said no permission had been granted for a protest at Jantar Mantar and urged people to avoid unauthorised gatherings.
The deployment has been made as a precautionary measure to prevent any breach of peace and maintain the movement of people and traffic, according to the officer quoted by Millennium Post. Prohibitory orders are already in force in the area, adding restrictions to a protest that organisers and participating groups are seeking to hold in the capital.
“We are well prepared and motivated to handle the law-and-order situation in the city on Saturday. No permission has been granted so far for any protest at Jantar Mantar,” the officer said.
The police have appealed to protesters and members of the public not to engage in violence or attack personnel deployed for security duties. The officer said any such act would constitute a crime and attract strict legal action against those found involved.
Police personnel have also been given specific instructions on handling women protesters and have been directed to avoid unnecessary confrontation. Daily briefings are being conducted to ensure that members of the force follow a coordinated approach during the deployment, the officer said.
The security arrangements are likely to affect access and movement around areas covered by the restrictions, although the report did not specify particular road closures, diversions or public transport changes. The stated purpose of the deployment is to prevent a breach of peace and ensure the smooth movement of people and traffic while the authorities enforce the existing orders.
The police have further warned residents against believing or circulating unverified information online. The public has been asked to rely on Delhi Police’s official social media handles and verified communication channels for updates.
The proposed protest follows demands by the Cockroach Janata Party and several student groups for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The groups have levelled allegations against him over the deletion of lakhs of voters across the country in connection with the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists. The report did not include a response from the Chief Election Commissioner or details of any official findings on those allegations.
Police officials said the restrictions and deployment would remain focused on maintaining public order during the planned Saturday gathering. The authorities’ immediate instructions are for people to comply with the prohibitory orders, avoid unauthorised assemblies and follow verified official communications.
