New Delhi: Delhi Police has tightened security across central Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10. The demonstration has been announced to demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Security arrangements include multi-layered barricading, the deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and restrictions on movement at select metro stations. Police personnel have also been equipped with uniform-mounted body cameras to record on-ground developments and ensure transparency during the protest.
Heavy security deployment was witnessed around Mandi House and Firoz Shah Road, with authorities taking measures to maintain law and order and prevent unauthorised gatherings.
Delhi Police Personnel Equipped With Body Cameras
On-duty Delhi Police personnel have been provided with body cameras capable of recording footage in low-light conditions. The devices are intended to document interactions between police personnel and protesters and help address allegations of misconduct.
“These body cams are to protect us and others. In situations of manhandling, allegations are levelled against Delhi Police. So, these body cams will prove whether we did anything to anyone or not. This will record everything,” an on-duty police official said.
The use of body cameras is part of the security arrangements as police prepare for the demonstration and seek to maintain a record of events on the ground.
Pink Force, RAF Among Security Units Deployed
Alongside central paramilitary units, Delhi Police has deployed its specialised all-women Pink Force at key locations. Officials said the unit had been positioned following recent incidents of alleged misbehaviour towards women police personnel during large demonstrations.
More than 35,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the national capital ahead of the protest, amid heightened security measures. The arrangements also come as the Union Home Secretary has directed states and Union Territories to maintain law and order.
Police teams have been instructed to detain anyone attempting to stage a protest, irrespective of their location, according to the report. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units have also been directed not to issue weapons for deployment related to the demonstration. Letters have been sent to the concerned directorates regarding the allotment plan.
Metro Restrictions and Instructions to Police Teams
As a precautionary measure, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed entry and exit gates at select metro stations in central Delhi. Commuters have been advised to use alternative routes amid security restrictions in the surrounding areas.
Unlike the arrangements during the INDIA bloc protest, police teams have now been authorised to carry lathis and batons.
Police personnel have also been instructed to avoid verbal confrontations with protesters amid concerns over alleged attempts to record and circulate videos portraying the force in a negative light.
With extensive security deployment, metro restrictions and additional instructions to police teams in place, authorities are preparing to manage the CJP demonstration while maintaining law and order across central Delhi.