Delhi Police has deployed more than 6,000 personnel, 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces and an expanded CCTV network across Connaught Place and nearby areas ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Central Park on Friday.
The security arrangements cover Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk, Central Park, Jantar Mantar, Palika Bazaar, nearby Metro stations and other sensitive locations in Lutyens’ Delhi. Barricades have been placed at several points, including Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, ITO and Sansad Marg, as police prepare for a gathering scheduled for 5 pm.
A senior police officer said 5,000 additional personnel had been reserved from other Delhi districts to strengthen the deployment. The arrangements are being coordinated with 220 CAPF companies earmarked for New Delhi, which will also cover adjoining districts, border areas and other important locations.
Thirty CAPF companies will be deployed during each shift, with three shifts planned through the day. The force could be increased if crowd numbers rise or if the demonstration continues into the night. “If the crowd swells during the night and we need more security, we will increase the strength to 60 companies in one shift,” the officer said.
Police have also expanded surveillance around the proposed gathering site. More than 10 CCTV cameras have been installed in and around Central Park and Rajiv Chowk, where officers said there had previously been limited camera coverage. The footage is intended to help monitor the gathering and preserve records in case of violations or other incidents.
The New Delhi Municipal Council has announced that Central Park will remain closed to the public on Friday and Saturday for “administrative reasons”. The closure is also being factored into the security plan, with the civic body seeking arrangements to prevent unauthorised entry.
Delhi Police PRO Neha Yadav said the march had not been granted permission and that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas. Police have said they could facilitate a select group of people to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable alternative location.
The proposed demonstration follows a stand-off between the CJP and Delhi Police over protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The march was announced after CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to judicial custody for entering Jantar Mantar on October 13. Student organisations, activists and Aam Aadmi Party supporters are also expected to participate.
Police are preparing for crowds to use the area’s multiple access points and potentially spill into adjoining market stretches. Senior officers are coordinating the movement of personnel to limit disruption to commuters and commercial activity. Market and trade associations in and around Connaught Place have submitted written requests seeking protection for their establishments, citing concerns about the effect of large gatherings on business.
Yadav appealed to people to stay away from unauthorised gatherings and warned that action would be taken against those violating prohibitory orders or disturbing public peace. She said any alternative flag march would have to be held at a suitable location after arrangements were finalised.
