New Delhi, Oct 16: Delhi Police has deployed more than 6,000 personnel, along with 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday.
The extensive security arrangements cover Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk, Central Park, Jantar Mantar, Palika Bazaar, nearby Metro stations and other sensitive areas of Lutyens’ Delhi. The march is scheduled for 5 pm, although Delhi Police has not granted permission for the gathering.
Delhi Police Strengthens Security in Connaught Place
Police have placed barricades at several key locations, including Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, ITO and Sansad Marg, to manage crowds and prevent any law-and-order problems.
Around 5,000 additional police personnel have been kept on reserve and can be deployed from other districts if required. Officers are also planning security arrangements to minimise disruption to commuters, shoppers and businesses in the commercial district.
The 220 CAPF companies assigned to the security plan will cover New Delhi, adjoining districts, border areas and other important locations.
According to a senior police officer, 30 CAPF companies will be deployed during each shift, with three shifts planned throughout the day. If the crowd increases significantly or the protest continues into the night, the deployment could be raised to 60 companies in a single shift.
CCTV Surveillance Expanded at Central Park
Delhi Police has strengthened CCTV surveillance around Central Park and Rajiv Chowk to monitor the proposed gathering and record any violations or untoward incidents.
More than 10 additional CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the area, as the park previously had limited camera coverage.
The enhanced surveillance is part of the broader security measures being implemented to monitor crowd movement and maintain public order during the proposed CJP demonstration.
Central Park to Remain Closed for Two Days
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park in Connaught Place will remain closed to the public on Friday and Saturday for administrative reasons.
The civic body has also requested adequate security arrangements to prevent unauthorised entry into the park.
Delhi Police said it could consider allowing a select group of protesters to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at an alternative, suitable location.
Why Is CJP Planning the Tiranga March?
The proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march comes amid a stand-off between the CJP and Delhi Police over demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The party announced the march after its leaders, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were sent to judicial custody following their entry into Jantar Mantar on October 13.
Student organisations, activists and supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are also expected to participate in the proposed demonstration.
Delhi Police Warns Against Unauthorised Gatherings
Delhi Police spokesperson Neha Yadav said permission had not been granted for the march. She added that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas.
Police have also received written requests from market and trade associations seeking protection for their establishments. Business representatives have expressed concerns that large gatherings could affect commercial activity.
Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid unauthorised gatherings and warned that action would be taken against anyone violating prohibitory orders or disturbing public peace.
Yadav said police were willing to consider an alternative arrangement for a small group of protesters to conduct a flag march at a suitable location.
The administration is continuing to coordinate security deployment, crowd management and access control to maintain public order while limiting inconvenience to commuters and businesses.
