New Delhi is under heightened security today as over 30,000 police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel have been deployed across the capital, with a significant concentration around Connaught Place and central Delhi. The massive deployment comes ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Central Park, Connaught Place.
Security Measures and Prohibitory Orders
More than 6,000 Delhi Police personnel are joined by approximately 26,000 CAPF officers to manage potential crowds, which officials anticipate could range from 30,000 to 50,000 people. Police have not granted permission for a large gathering, citing prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Consequently, Central Park will remain closed on October 16 and 17, as confirmed by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
Deputy Commissioner of Police and Public Relations Officer, Neha Yadav, stated, "We are ready to give permission to a select few protesters for a flag march at some other spot." This indicates that a smaller, controlled demonstration involving the waving of the national flag and singing of the national anthem may be allowed at a suitable alternative location.
The CJP Protest and Its Demands
The CJP, led by founder and convenor Abhijeet Dipke, has called on people to assemble at Central Park at 5 pm today, October 16, with national flags. Student organizations, activists, and the Aam Aadmi Party are expected to participate in the proposed protest. The primary demand of the demonstration is the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
This call to protest follows the recent arrest of CJP co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. They were sent to five days of judicial custody on Tuesday for allegedly violating their peace bonds and trespassing into Jantar Mantar, which has been denotified as a protest site.
Court Directives and Public Safety Concerns
The Delhi High Court, on Thursday, declined to restrain the CJP and Dipke from holding the protest but recorded the police's assurance that all necessary steps would be taken to regulate the gathering. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on November 3.
In addition to the extensive personnel deployment, police have installed over 10 CCTV cameras around Central Park and Rajiv Chowk to monitor and record any gatherings. Barricades have also been strategically placed near Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, ITO, and Sansad Marg to control access and manage crowds.
Trade and market associations have submitted written requests to the police, seeking protection for their shops and establishments. They expressed concerns that large demonstrations could disrupt business during the ongoing festive season. DCP Yadav appealed to the public to refrain from participating in gatherings that violate prohibitory orders or disturb public peace, warning that legal action would be taken against offenders.