Delhi Tightens Security Ahead of CJP Protest; Over 400 Detained

Authorities have tightened security across India’s capital, New Delhi, ahead of a protest called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). More than 400 people were detained overnight ahead of Saturday’s demonstration. Entry and exit gates at 45 Delhi Metro stations have been closed, while more than 250 trains scheduled to arrive at various railway stations in the city have been cancelled. More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel are planned to be deployed around the protest site and surrounding areas.

The details were reported by Indian news outlet NDTV on Saturday, October 10.

The CJP called the demonstration at Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and electoral reforms. Delhi Police have not granted permission for the protest, prompting authorities to strengthen security in several parts of the capital to maintain law and order.

More than 250 long-distance and local trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations were cancelled between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday. Entry and exit gates at 45 Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk and Kashmere Gate, have also been closed.

Internet services have been suspended for 24 hours from 10 p.m. on Friday across an area extending four kilometres from the Janpath–Kartavya Path intersection.

CJP founder Abhijit Deepak said the party’s volunteers and supporters would participate in the demonstration at Jantar Mantar despite the restrictions. He questioned whether restricting Metro, rail and road movement would cause even greater public inconvenience, despite the measures being justified by concerns over disruption.

According to Delhi Police’s security plan, the main objectives are to prevent protesters from entering the New Delhi district and to remove them promptly if they enter restricted areas. An area of approximately 1.5 kilometres around key locations—including Jantar Mantar, Janpath, the Election Commission office and Delhi Police headquarters—has been designated highly sensitive. More than 6,500 security personnel will be deployed there, an official said.

Surveillance has also been stepped up. More than 300 CCTV cameras equipped with audio-recording capabilities have been installed in key parts of New Delhi. At least seven layers of barricades have been placed along roads leading to Jantar Mantar, with some sections welded together to make forced entry more difficult.

Police are using public-address systems at various locations to announce that the protest has not been authorised. People are being instructed not to gather, chant slogans, damage public property or attack police personnel. Police have also asked community centres, mosques and residential associations to help circulate the message.

Those travelling to Delhi to join the protest have been warned that they could face arrest and legal action. Police are searching hotels and lodges and have advised landlords and Airbnb hosts not to rent accommodation to people planning to participate in the demonstration.

Authorities are also seeking to avoid renewed controversy over police conduct during the protest. Earlier this month, allegations of police misconduct and abuse of a female demonstrator emerged during a protest. Videos circulated on social media triggered criticism.

For Saturday’s demonstration, police personnel, including senior officers, have been equipped with body cameras to document events. Hundreds of photographers and videographers have also been deployed. Police expect the footage to assist investigations if any untoward incident occurs.

Delhi Police have also issued an open letter urging both sides to exercise restraint. The letter says police officers are human beings with families waiting for them at home, adding that wearing a uniform does not diminish anyone’s humanity.