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YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, centre, and others during a protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, in Bengaluru (Img: X/@Cockroachisback)
New Delhi: The INDIA bloc’s protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has added to the security concerns in Delhi, with opposition leaders demanding accountability from the Election Commission. Ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned October 10 demonstration at Jantar Mantar, authorities have stepped up security, deployed additional central forces and begun monitoring transport routes and student accommodation.
Delhi is preparing for a major protest by the CJP, which is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR exercise. The Centre has provided 221 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), comprising approximately 23,000 personnel, to assist Delhi Police with security arrangements.
Police are monitoring the movement of people travelling towards the national capital and have reportedly contacted universities, colleges and paying guest (PG) accommodation owners. The outreach is aimed at discouraging students from joining the planned demonstration.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has arranged the additional CAPF deployment for October 8 to 12. The personnel will assist with crowd management, maintain law and order and strengthen security around key government buildings and protest-sensitive areas.
At least 15,000 Delhi Police personnel are also expected to be deployed on the ground, according to reports. Security has been tightened around Jantar Mantar and other locations in central Delhi, while authorities are preparing for the possibility of large groups arriving from outside the capital.
The Delhi government has also ordered liquor shops to remain closed on October 9 and 10, citing the need to maintain public order.
As part of its security preparations, Delhi Police has reviewed the July CJP agitation linked to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Officials have identified around 2,800 people who were present during the earlier protest and allegedly have criminal antecedents, according to media reports.
Local police stations have reportedly been asked to monitor whether any of these individuals are travelling towards New Delhi ahead of Saturday’s demonstration.
Authorities are also checking bus bookings and monitoring transport operators who may be arranging travel for protesters. Routes connecting Delhi with neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, are under scrutiny, with barricades expected at selected entry points.
Police have also reportedly been asked to contact university and college authorities and PG accommodation owners in areas with large student populations.
Also Read: INDIA Bloc Protest: Opposition Escalates Fight Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Day 3
Delhi Police has issued around 150 body-worn cameras to personnel assigned to the security operation. The cameras are intended to record interactions between officers and protesters, particularly during crowd-control operations.
The move comes after allegations of manhandling and sexual harassment were made by three women journalists during an October 2 protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar. Police have denied the allegations.
Bodycam footage could help establish the sequence of events during any confrontation and provide a record if complaints are made against police personnel or demonstrators.
The CJP has maintained that it intends to proceed with its October 10 demonstration despite Delhi Police not granting permission for the proposed protest.
CJP co-convener Saurav Das has questioned the police appeal asking citizens not to participate, arguing that the right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed. The group has said it plans to demonstrate peacefully and is pressing for action over its concerns about electoral-roll revision.
Also Read: ‘We Are Not Going to Stop’: Rahul Gandhi Vows More Protests Against CEC
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leaders have alleged that some students and volunteers associated with the party and allied groups were detained ahead of the protest. These claims have added to the political controversy surrounding the security arrangements.
With opposition leaders and student groups continuing demonstrations over SIR, Delhi Police is preparing for a large turnout at Jantar Mantar and possible movement of protesters into the capital from neighbouring states.
