New Delhi, July 25: Delhi Police has significantly strengthened security arrangements across the national capital ahead of anticipated weekend demonstrations, installing additional barricades at strategic locations and reinforcing them with heavy-duty chains and welding to prevent unauthorized movement into restricted zones.
The heightened security comes as protests demanding reforms in the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak are expected to gather momentum. Authorities are preparing for a larger turnout of demonstrators over the weekend and have expanded security measures in response.
According to police officials, multiple layers of iron barricades have been erected at sensitive points, particularly around Jantar Mantar and other high-security areas in the New Delhi district. The barricades have been secured with chains and welded together to make them difficult to remove or relocate during large gatherings.
Police said additional personnel have been deployed to manage crowds, regulate traffic and ensure public safety. Security has been intensified across the New Delhi, Central and North Delhi districts, where authorities expect significant public gatherings and possible attempts to march toward restricted government zones.
Senior officers have instructed all district police units to remain on high alert and maintain adequate deployment at vulnerable locations. Officials have also been directed to closely monitor individuals with criminal records who could attempt to exploit the protests to create law-and-order issues.
Surveillance has also been expanded through advanced monitoring systems. Police sources said facial recognition technology installed around the protest venue has flagged more than 2,500 individuals with criminal backgrounds entering the area in recent days. The alerts enable field officers to discreetly monitor such individuals and carry out verification whenever necessary.
In addition to surveillance, police have increased anti-sabotage operations, intensified vehicle inspections and stepped up patrolling around key installations and public spaces. These preventive measures are aimed at minimizing security risks while maintaining normal movement across the city.
Authorities maintained that the enhanced security arrangements are intended to facilitate peaceful demonstrations while preventing any untoward incidents. Delhi Police said it remains committed to balancing citizens’ right to protest with the need to ensure public safety and protect sensitive government areas during the expected surge in weekend gatherings.