New Delhi: Body cameras, an all-women security unit, multi-layered barricades, and aerial surveillance are among the measures deployed across Delhi as police prepare for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10.
More than 35,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the national capital for the demonstration, which is seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Security has been tightened around central Delhi, with restrictions on road movement and entry and exit at several Metro stations.
Body cameras to record police-protester encounters
Delhi Police personnel on duty have been equipped with uniform-mounted body cameras, including devices capable of recording in low-light conditions. The cameras are intended to document encounters and help establish what happened during confrontations.
“These body cams are to protect us and others,” an on-duty police official said, adding that the recordings could help address allegations of manhandling or misconduct involving police personnel.
The deployment comes amid heightened tensions following previous demonstrations and concerns over videos of confrontations between protesters and security personnel.
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Pink Force deployed alongside paramilitary units
The Delhi Police has also deployed its specialised all-women unit, known as the Pink Force, at key locations.
The deployment follows police concerns about alleged misbehaviour towards women personnel during recent demonstrations, according to reports. Female security personnel have been positioned at several points around the protest zone alongside other police and paramilitary units.
Police personnel carrying lathis and protective equipment were seen at key intersections, while loudspeaker announcements reminded people of restrictions imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Barricades block key roads around Jantar Mantar
Security arrangements were particularly heavy around Mandi House, Firoz Shah Road and the NDMC Palika Kendra area.
Sansad Marg towards Connaught Place and Tolstoy Road were blocked with multiple layers of barricades, with police companies positioned behind them. Additional personnel were deployed outside the NDMC building and at other locations near Jantar Mantar.
Private security guards at some nearby buildings were briefed on crowd-management measures. Passers-by were also asked to show identity cards in certain areas, with access checks intended to distinguish office-goers from potential protesters.
Spike strips were installed on roads in the Mohan Estate area to regulate vehicle movement. Police also used drones to monitor crowd movement and security conditions around key locations.
Internet services suspended
Internet services are suspended within a 4-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar from 10 pm on October 9 to 10 pm on October 10. The suspension will apply to all mobile internet services. Internet services in the rest of Delhi will remain unaffected.
More than 35,000 personnel deployed
The deployment of over 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel forms part of a wider security operation across the capital. Police have intensified checks at entry points and increased security around transport hubs and important road intersections.
The measures come amid a directive from the Union Home Secretary to states and Union Territories to maintain law and order in view of the proposed demonstration.
The police have also instructed personnel to avoid verbal confrontations with protesters, according to the deployment details provided. Teams have been authorised to carry lathis and batons, unlike the arrangements reported during the earlier INDIA bloc protest.
45 Metro stations affected; rail services disrupted
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) closed entry and exit gates at 45 stations from 9 pm on Friday until 6 pm on Saturday. Interchange facilities remained available at the affected stations, except at New Delhi Metro station, according to the published restrictions.
Rail services were also affected. The Railways cancelled mail and express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday, citing the possibility of severe road congestion around the stations.
The restrictions are intended to manage movement around central Delhi during the protest, but they have also disrupted travel for commuters and passengers using the capital’s major transport hubs.
(With inputs from agencies)
