New Delhi: Delhi has been placed under heightened security, with around 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed across the national capital ahead of a proposed protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Saturday.

Authorities have restricted entry and exit at 45 Delhi Metro stations and stepped up surveillance at railway stations, bus terminals, city borders and other sensitive locations to prevent unauthorised gatherings and maintain law and order.

The security measures were introduced after Delhi Police denied permission for the proposed demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing insufficient notice and concerns over compliance with directions issued during an earlier protest.

More than 120 companies of Central Armed Police Forces are expected to assist Delhi Police in managing the situation. Security personnel have been deployed at strategic locations, while mock drills have been conducted at several places to assess preparedness.

The New Delhi district has been divided into 20 zones for monitoring by senior police officers, including joint commissioners, deputy commissioners and additional deputy commissioners. Special commissioners heading various units are also keeping a close watch on developments.

Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said on Friday that the application seeking permission for the October 10 protest was submitted on October 7, just three days before the proposed gathering. The prescribed notice period is at least 10 days, she said.

Police also cited alleged violations of directions issued by authorities during an earlier demonstration as a reason for denying permission.

45 metro stations face restrictions

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced restrictions on entry and exit at 45 metro stations from Friday night. The affected stations include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Janpath, Supreme Court, ITO and Kashmere Gate, along with several stations in south and north-east Delhi.

The restrictions will remain in force on Saturday until further notice, according to the DMRC. Interchange facilities will continue to operate at the affected stations, except at New Delhi metro station, where restrictions will apply.

Rail passengers may also face disruptions, with several trains scheduled to arrive at or depart from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm reported cancelled.

Police have clarified that passengers carrying valid train tickets will not be prevented from travelling. However, action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt public order.

Commuters have been advised to check official announcements and plan their journeys accordingly.

Surveillance intensified across the capital

Security has been tightened along Delhi's borders, with additional checks on vehicles entering the city. Police are also inspecting hotels, guest houses, lodges and dharamshalas, while maintaining heightened vigilance at bus terminals and other transit points.

Authorities are monitoring social media platforms for attempts to mobilise people for the proposed protest. More than 200 content creators are reportedly under scrutiny as police examine online posts and messages linked to the gathering.

Liquor shops across Delhi will remain closed on Saturday as a precautionary measure.

Police have also appealed for peace and cooperation through announcements at religious places, urging residents to follow official instructions and avoid disruptions.

Why is the CJP planning a protest?

The proposed demonstration is directed against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and changes relating to Form 6, which is used to apply for voter registration.

The allegations form part of the political dispute surrounding the electoral roll revision exercise.

Delhi Police said security personnel would remain deployed throughout Saturday to monitor crowd movement, prevent traffic disruptions and respond to any attempts to breach barricades.

With restrictions affecting major transport hubs and several parts of the city, residents and visitors have been advised to follow official traffic and transport updates.