Delhi Police has expanded security and traffic restrictions across the Capital ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, with routes being barricaded as far as 18 km from the protest site, 23 security zones activated and nearly 600 low-floor buses arranged to transport detained protesters.
The measures extend from Delhi’s borders to Central Delhi and are intended to prevent an unauthorised gathering at Jantar Mantar. Police have identified more than 37 blocking points in the New Delhi district, where around 22 officers of DCP rank will supervise the arrangements. Barricades, diversions and checkpoints are planned on routes linking South Delhi, South-West Delhi, Gurugram and Uttar Pradesh with the city centre.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport–Jantar Mantar corridor is among the routes under watch. CJP leaders, including Abhijeet Dipke, are expected to arrive at the airport around 8 am, after which restrictions are likely along Sardar Patel Marg and the Dhaula Kuan flyover. The airport is about 18 km from Jantar Mantar, and the corridor is also used by commuters travelling between Delhi and Gurugram.
Mathura Road, which links Shaheen Bagh with Central Delhi, is expected to face barricading and diversions from 6 am. Police said Kalindi Kunj and the DND stretch near the Uttar Pradesh border would also be patrolled because several protesters had travelled from the state during the party’s earlier protest. Routes from R K Puram and Vasant Kunj, including Moti Bagh and Africa Avenue, are also expected to see restrictions. Lodhi Road, connecting Lodhi Colony with Central Delhi, will be barricaded as well.
Several locations associated with clashes during the CJP’s July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march have been placed under heightened security. These include Tolstoy Road, the Shangri-La roundabout and Ashoka Road. Tolstoy Road has been sealed since October 2, with 10 barricades and more than 30 paramilitary personnel guarding the stretch, according to officers quoted by The Indian Express. Barricades and police vans have also been placed on Ashoka Road.
The police have identified around 30 temporary detention facilities in police stations, police buildings and sports complexes across Dwarka, Bawana, Kanjhawala, Narela and parts of East Delhi. The listed facilities include the Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex, Chhatrasal Stadium and Yamuna Sports Complex. Nearly 600 low-floor buses will be used to move detained protesters from checkpoints and other locations.
Police personnel wearing body-worn cameras will be deployed at identified flashpoints and pickets to record interactions during the operation. Officers said the arrangements were focused on preventing an unauthorised gathering while exercising maximum restraint in dealing with protesters. Additional reserve forces and women personnel will be deployed, with staff working in shifts across the day and night.
Central and South districts have prepared deployment plans for locations including Flag Point on Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Minto Bridge, Chitragupt Road, Chelmsford Road, Rani Jhansi Road, Hanuman Mandir and Shanker Road. Inter-district pickets will also be established at connecting points involving South, South-East and South-West Delhi. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar reviewed the arrangements with senior officers at Police Headquarters on Thursday.
