Cockroach Janata Party's protest puts Delhi on high alert, with 25,000 personnel, Metro curbs and internet restrictions

Ahead of a proposed protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, Delhi has been placed under an extensive security cover, with around 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed across the national capital.

Entry and exit gates at 45 Metro stations have been restricted, while security has been tightened at railway stations, bus terminals and the city's borders.

The security measures follow Delhi Police's decision to deny permission for the proposed demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police cited inadequate notice and alleged non-compliance with directions issued during an earlier protest.


More than 120 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are expected to assist Delhi Police in maintaining law and order, PTI reported. Security personnel have been deployed at strategic locations, and mock drills have been conducted at several places to assess preparedness.

Also Read: Delhi Police cites 'serious' law and order concerns to deny CJP protest permission

The authorities are taking precautions to prevent protesters from assembling at Jantar Mantar without permission and to avert any disruption to public movement. The Delhi Police, in a letter to CJP officials, cited the possibility of "serious" law and order concerns and inconvenience to residents and citizens, thereby denying permission to hold the proposed protest.

The proposed protest targets Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and changes relating to Form 6, which is used for voter registration. These allegations are part of the ongoing political dispute over the electoral roll revision exercise.

Mobile internet suspended near Kartavya Path

Mobile internet services across all technologies have been suspended within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing from 10 pm on October 9 to 10 pm on October 10.

In an order dated October 9, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Cell (Headquarters), Manishi Chandra informed telecom service providers that the Union Home Secretary had authorised the suspension.

Delhi Metro restrictions on 45 stations

Entry and exit gates at 45 Delhi Metro stations were closed from Friday night as part of the security arrangements. The restrictions will continue on Saturday until further notice, according to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

The affected stations include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Janpath, Supreme Court, ITO and Kashmere Gate, along with several stations in south and northeast Delhi.

Interchange facilities will remain available at the affected stations, except at New Delhi Metro station, where restrictions will apply, according to the information provided by the authorities.

Rail passengers may also face disruptions. Several trains scheduled to arrive at or depart from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm have reportedly been cancelled.

Police have clarified that passengers holding valid train tickets will not be stopped from travelling. However, action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt public order.

Delhi traffic restrictions: Routes likely to be affected

Traffic restrictions came into force from 6 am on Saturday as police stepped up security ahead of the proposed protest. Delhi Traffic Police has warned of possible disruptions around Connaught Place, Mandi House, Jantar Mantar, Patel Chowk and other key intersections in central Delhi.

Traffic diversions will be regulated according to the prevailing law-and-order situation. Police personnel have been deployed at barricades across the capital to monitor vehicular movement and prevent congestion around sensitive locations.

Commuters have been advised to check official traffic advisories and plan their journeys accordingly, particularly if travelling through central Delhi.

Why did Delhi Police deny permission for the CJP protest?

Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said on Friday that the application seeking permission for the October 10 demonstration was submitted on October 7, just three days before the proposed event. The prescribed notice period is at least 10 days, she said.

In a letter addressed to the party's co-convenor Saurav Das and joint secretary Balkrishna, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi district, said granting permission for the demonstration could lead to serious law-and-order issues.

"In the larger public interest, the permission sought cannot be granted and is hereby denied," the letter stated.

The police also pointed out that the communication received from the outfit regarding the proposed protest was merely an intimation and not a duly submitted application seeking permission.

Police also cited alleged violations of directions issued by authorities during an earlier demonstration as a reason for denying permission.

Delhi Police personnel were also seen using body cameras on their uniform as they are deployed for security ahead of the CJP protest today.

Delhi Police steps up checks at borders, public places

The New Delhi district has been divided into 20 zones for monitoring, with senior officers, including joint commissioners, deputy commissioners and additional deputy commissioners, overseeing security arrangements.

Police have increased checks on vehicles entering Delhi and stepped up surveillance at the city's borders, railway stations, bus terminals and other sensitive locations. Hotels, guest houses, lodges and dharamshalas are also being checked.

Authorities are monitoring social media platforms for attempts to mobilise people for the protest. More than 200 content creators are reportedly under scrutiny as police examine online posts and messages linked to the proposed gathering.

Also Read: CJP's Jantar Mantar 2.0: Delhi traffic restrictions across key routes; commuters advised to plan ahead

Liquor shops across Delhi will remain closed on Saturday as a precautionary measure. Police are also making public appeals through religious places, urging residents to maintain peace and cooperate with the authorities.

Security personnel will remain deployed throughout Saturday to monitor crowd movement, prevent traffic obstructions and respond to any attempt to breach barricades.

In another preventive measure, the police have also detained around 30-40 people with criminal records across all 15 districts of the national capital.

Commuters have been advised to check official advisories before travelling, particularly if their journeys involve affected Metro stations or the New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations.