Delhi witnessed heavy security arrangements on Saturday ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Authorities deployed around 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel across sensitive locations and erected barricades on major roads. As protesters attempted to reach Jantar Mantar, Delhi Police detained approximately 150 people, including YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. Gurugram Police assisted in Rathee’s detention. Police also used drones and surveillance cameras to monitor crowd movements and prevent unauthorised gatherings. Officials expected around 7,000 people to arrive in the national capital for the demonstration.
CJP Plans Protest Over Electoral Issues
Delhi Police transformed the Jantar Mantar area into a heavily guarded zone with multilayered barricades and security personnel. Officers secured important roads, including Sansad Marg and Tolstoy Road, while members of the Border Security Force and Rapid Action Force supported the arrangements. Police also deployed specialised units and installed surveillance equipment at sensitive locations. Authorities denied permission for the CJP demonstration, citing potential law-and-order concerns and inconvenience to residents. Police said the party had submitted an intimation rather than a formal application within the required timeframe. Officials also enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to restrict gatherings.
The CJP planned the demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and changes to Form 6. Delhi Police warned that officers would detain people attempting to participate in the unauthorised gathering. Police sources also reported preventive detentions across Delhi’s 15 districts. Authorities instructed personnel to exercise restraint and handle the situation professionally. Meanwhile, police used drones and CCTV cameras to monitor sensitive areas and track crowd movements. The proposed demonstration prompted extensive security preparations across central Delhi as officials worked to prevent clashes and maintain public order.
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Traffic Curbs, Metro Closures and Train Disruptions
Delhi authorities introduced traffic restrictions from 6 am on Saturday and announced diversions around Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Mandi House and Patel Chowk. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation also announced temporary entry and exit gate closures at 57 stations from Friday night until the situation normalised. Reports indicated that more than 250 Delhi-bound and local trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm faced cancellations. Authorities increased security at railway stations and bus terminals to monitor passenger movement. A 24-hour mobile internet suspension also affected parts of central Delhi from Friday night, adding to the disruption for residents and commuters.
The New Delhi Traders Association announced the closure of Connaught Place market on Saturday, citing concerns about public safety and potential property damage during the protest. Association joint secretary Amit Gupta said the decision aimed to protect visitors, workers and businesses in the busy commercial district. The shutdown raised concerns about significant financial losses for traders. Chamber of Trade and Industry chairperson Brijesh Goyal estimated that businesses could suffer losses of approximately ₹2,000 crore. Meanwhile, police continued to enforce security restrictions across central Delhi and monitor developments around Jantar Mantar. The measures affected transport services, commercial activity and public movement as authorities prepared for the proposed demonstration.
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