6,000 Police Personnel, 220 CAPF Companies Deployed for CJP’s ‘Tiranga’ March Amid Tight Security
Authorities strengthen security across Connaught Place and nearby areas with additional barricades and CCTV cameras as police deny permission for the proposed demonstration.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 16: Delhi Police has deployed more than 6,000 personnel, along with 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and expanded CCTV surveillance in the national capital ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday.
The demonstration, scheduled for 5 pm, has prompted extensive security arrangements across Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk, Jantar Mantar, Palika Bazaar, nearby Metro stations and other sensitive locations in Lutyens’ Delhi.
Police have erected barricades at several locations, including Patel Chowk, ITO and Sansad Marg, while additional personnel have been mobilised from other districts to prevent any disruption to public order.
A senior police officer said 5,000 additional personnel had been kept in reserve to reinforce the existing deployment if required. The arrangements are intended to manage the anticipated gathering while ensuring that commuters and commercial establishments face minimal inconvenience.
The CAPF deployment will also cover adjoining districts, border areas and other important locations. Thirty companies are scheduled to be deployed during each shift, with three shifts planned throughout the day. Officials said the strength could be increased to 60 companies in a single shift if the crowd grows significantly or the demonstration continues into the night.
Surveillance has been strengthened around Central Park and Rajiv Chowk, with more than 10 additional CCTV cameras installed to monitor activity and preserve footage in the event of violations or other incidents.
A police officer said new cameras had been installed because the park previously had limited surveillance coverage and authorities anticipated a substantial gathering.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park will remain closed to the public on Friday and Saturday for administrative reasons. The civic body has also sought adequate security arrangements to prevent unauthorised entry during the closure.
Delhi Police Public Relations Officer Neha Yadav said permission had not been granted for the proposed march. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) are already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas, restricting unauthorised assemblies.
However, police have indicated that a limited number of protesters could be permitted to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at an alternative, suitable location, subject to arrangements approved by the authorities.
The proposed march comes amid a confrontation between the CJP and Delhi Police over demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party announced the event after its leaders, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were sent to judicial custody following their entry into Jantar Mantar on October 13.
Student groups, activists and supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party are also expected to participate in the demonstration.
Police officials are assessing the possibility of crowds spreading into adjoining market areas and are coordinating personnel movement to maintain security without unnecessarily obstructing commercial activity.
According to Yadav, market and trade associations in Connaught Place have submitted written requests seeking protection for their establishments, expressing concern that large gatherings could affect business operations.
Police have urged residents and visitors to avoid unauthorised assemblies and warned that violations of prohibitory orders or attempts to disturb public peace could invite legal action.
Yadav reiterated that authorities were willing to consider an alternative arrangement for a small group to hold a flag-waving programme at an approved location.
The security deployment reflects the administration’s effort to prevent unauthorised gatherings, safeguard public and commercial spaces, and maintain normal movement across one of Delhi’s busiest business districts.
