Delhi Police's new CJP Protest plan: Detentions, batons and high-tech surveillance

New Delhi: Delhi Police has instructed its teams to detain anyone attempting to stage a protest anywhere in the national capital ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) proposed ‘Jantar Mantar 2.0’ demonstration on October 10, while authorising personnel to carry lathis and batons during the security operation.

The directions come amid heightened security across Delhi, with more than 35,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel deployed ahead of the demonstration, which has been planned despite the police denying permission for the gathering.

According to the security instructions, police teams have been told to detain those attempting to stage unauthorised demonstrations, irrespective of their location. The authorities have also directed Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units not to issue weapons for deployment related to the protest. Letters have been sent to the concerned directorates regarding the allotment plan.

Unlike the arrangements during the INDIA bloc protest, police teams have now been authorised to carry lathis and batons. Personnel have also been instructed to avoid verbal confrontations with protesters amid concerns over alleged deliberate attempts to record and circulate videos portraying police personnel in a negative light.

The security arrangements are being strengthened ahead of CJP's call for a large mobilisation at Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In an Instagram post announcing the demonstration, CJP said thousands of people were expected to join the protest to raise their voices against Kumar. The party has also demanded free and fair elections and an independent procedure for selecting Election Commissioners.

CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke said on Friday that he would not withdraw from the demonstration even if detained or arrested. In a video posted on X, Dipke urged supporters to participate in large numbers while maintaining peace and discipline. He said he planned to leave Mumbai on Saturday morning but was uncertain whether he would be arrested at the airport or later.

Dipke said the party would continue to pursue its demands even if the authorities invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) or the National Security Act (NSA) against him. He appealed to participants to remain peaceful and law-abiding, describing the demonstration as a fight to protect democracy.

Delhi Police has designated six centres to accommodate protesters detained during the operation: Chhatrasal Stadium, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Yamuna Sports Complex, Surajmal Stadium, the Community Centre in Daulatpur and the Community Centre in Pandrawal.

Additional women personnel from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have also been called in for the October 10 mobilisation. Multiple Facial Recognition Systems (FRS), additional CCTV cameras, rooftop spotters and drones are expected to be deployed across Central Delhi as part of the surveillance arrangements.

The security preparations follow a directive from Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, who asked police chiefs of all states and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police and take preventive measures ahead of the proposed gathering.

In an official communication, Mohan cited concerns over a possible attempt by CJP and its supporters to enter the national capital despite the denial of permission. The letter referred to a Delhi Police order dated October 9 rejecting the party's request to hold the demonstration, stating that the proposed assembly stood prohibited.

The developments come amid a broader Opposition campaign against the SIR exercise and allegations of electoral irregularities. On Friday evening, leaders of the INDIA bloc met President Droupadi Murmu and submitted a memorandum containing four demands over alleged “vote chori”.

The delegation was led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. It also included Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party leader Rajiv Rai, NCP leader Supriya Sule, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, CPI(M) leader MA Baby, CPI leader D Raja, RJD leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Manoj Jha, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol. Thirumavalavan.

After the meeting, Gandhi alleged that the President had asked the delegation to provide evidence of electoral irregularities. Banerjee also said Murmu had assured the leaders that she would examine the details and had asked the Opposition to submit supporting evidence.

Delhi Police has maintained that permission for the October 10 demonstration has not been granted, with security agencies on alert ahead of the proposed mobilisation.