Delhi Tightens Security Ahead of Protest Over Gyanesh Kumar

India’s central government is preparing an extensive security operation in New Delhi ahead of a planned protest targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) is trying to mobilise supporters at Jantar Mantar, while authorities are planning to deploy more than 20,000 police and central armed police personnel to maintain law and order, according to NDTV.

A report published on Saturday, October 10, said officials were taking precautions in light of the disorder and police response during protests on July 20. The report also linked that episode to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Police have not granted permission for the latest planned demonstration.

As part of the security measures, entry and exit gates at 45 Delhi Metro stations are set to remain closed. More than 250 long-distance and local trains scheduled to reach New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations have also been cancelled. Internet services have been suspended for 24 hours within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path intersection, beginning at 10 pm on Friday.

CJP founder Abhijit Dipak said volunteers and supporters would continue with their protest plans despite the restrictions. He questioned whether shutting metro stations, cancelling trains and blocking roads would create further inconvenience for the public.

Delhi Police has two key priorities: maintaining public order and preventing another controversy over its handling of demonstrators. Authorities have identified a roughly 1.5-kilometre radius covering sensitive locations, including Jantar Mantar, Janpath, the Election Commission office and Delhi Police headquarters. More than 6,500 personnel are planned for deployment in this area.

Surveillance has also been intensified. More than 300 CCTV cameras equipped with audio-recording capabilities have been installed at sensitive locations across the New Delhi district. At least seven layers of barricades have been placed along routes leading to Jantar Mantar, with some barriers reinforced to make them harder to breach.

Loudspeakers are being used to inform the public that the proposed protest has not been authorised. Announcements urge people not to assemble, raise slogans, damage public property or attack police personnel. Community centres, mosques and residential welfare associations have also been asked to communicate the restrictions.

Police are conducting searches at hotels and lodges in New Delhi and Central Delhi. Hotel managers and property owners have been advised to discourage or avoid accommodating people suspected of planning to join the demonstration. Authorities have warned prospective protesters that they could face arrest and legal action.

The police response is receiving particular scrutiny following allegations of misconduct and excessive force during recent demonstrations. Videos circulated on social media reportedly showed incidents involving police personnel, including allegations that a female protester was assaulted and molested.

To document events, officers at senior ranks and other personnel on duty have been issued body cameras. Hundreds of photographers and videographers have also reportedly been assigned to record the protest and the police response. Officials hope the footage will help establish the sequence of events, verify evidence and support investigations into any incidents.

Delhi Police has also issued an open letter calling on all sides to exercise restraint and show humanity. The letter stresses that wearing a uniform does not diminish a person's humanity.