Delhi Protest: Over 400 Detained, 250 Trains Cancelled Ahead of CEC Gyanesh Kumar Demonstration
More than 400 people have been detained overnight in Delhi, over 250 trains have been cancelled, and several metro stations have been closed ahead of a major protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called on its supporters to gather at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi. In response, the Centre has deployed more than 20,000 police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel to maintain law and order.
The preparations come after the police response to protests on 20 July, which were linked to allegations of a paper leak and eventually led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Both protesters and authorities remain mindful of the events surrounding those demonstrations. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The police have not granted permission for the planned protest and have introduced several restrictions across the capital.
Delhi Metro Stations Closed and Trains Cancelled
Entry and exit gates at 45 Delhi Metro stations have been ordered to remain closed. These include Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk and Kashmere Gate.
More than 250 trains, including trains from other states and local services, scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday have also been cancelled.
Internet services have been suspended for 24 hours within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing. The restriction began at 10 pm on Friday.
Despite these measures, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the party’s volunteers and supporters would continue with their plan to protest at Jantar Mantar.
Questioning the restrictions, Dipke said that the authorities were citing public inconvenience as a reason to restrict protests while also shutting metro services, cancelling trains and blocking roads.
Delhi Police Security Plan
The Delhi Police has prepared a security plan focused on maintaining law and order while ensuring that its handling of the demonstration does not lead to further criticism.
According to officials, the main objective is to prevent protesters from entering the New Delhi district and remove them from restricted areas as quickly as possible.
Police have identified an area covering approximately 1.5 kilometres as highly sensitive. It includes Jantar Mantar, Janpath, the Election Commission’s office and Delhi Police headquarters.
An official said more than 6,500 personnel would be deployed within this area, creating a heavily guarded security zone.
Surveillance has also been increased. More than 300 CCTV cameras with audio-recording facilities have been installed at sensitive locations across the New Delhi district to monitor developments.
Seven Layers of Barricades at Jantar Mantar
Security arrangements at Jantar Mantar have been strengthened, with at least seven layers of barricades placed along the road leading to the protest site.
Some of the outer barricades have been welded together to make them more difficult to breach.
Loudspeakers have been installed at sensitive locations, broadcasting recorded announcements that the demonstration has not received official permission. The messages warn people against gathering for the protest, raising slogans, damaging public property or attacking police personnel.
Community centres, mosques and resident welfare associations (RWAs) have also been asked to inform residents that the protest has not been authorised.
People travelling to New Delhi to join the demonstration have been warned that they could face arrest and legal action.
The police have also been inspecting hotels and lodges in New Delhi and Central Delhi. Hotel managers have reportedly been asked to discourage guests from joining the protest.
Airbnb hosts and other property owners have also been advised not to rent their premises to people planning to participate. They have been asked to inform the police if they suspect that a guest intends to join the demonstration.
Police to Record Protest Through Cameras and Video Teams
Recording the protest and the police response is another major part of the security arrangements.
The move follows allegations of police misconduct and excessive force during recent demonstrations. Videos circulated on social media after protests earlier in the month reportedly showed alleged misconduct by police personnel, including claims of assault and molestation involving a woman protester.
These allegations have raised questions about how the police handled the earlier demonstrations.
To document events from different angles, body cameras have been provided to senior officers, including those of the rank of additional commissioner of police and above, as well as other personnel on duty.
Hundreds of photographers and videographers have also been engaged to record the protest and the police response in real time.
Officials hope the footage will help establish the sequence of events, provide verifiable evidence in response to disputed accounts and support investigations if any incident occurs.
Delhi Police Appeals for Restraint
The Delhi Police has also issued an open letter appealing for humanity and restraint during the demonstration.
The letter reminds people that police personnel are human beings with families waiting for them at home. It stresses that wearing a uniform does not take away a person’s humanity.
The appeal calls for restraint from all sides as authorities prepare for the demonstration in central Delhi.
With extensive security arrangements, transport restrictions and surveillance measures in place, the planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has prompted a major security response across the capital.
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