Delhi Protest: Delhi Police fact-checks viral video of Jantar Mantar crowd, says footage is old

A video claiming to show a large crowd gathered outside Jantar Mantar at 7 am ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been flagged as old footage by Delhi Police. The police said the video was recorded during the party’s earlier demonstration on July 20 and accused the social media user who shared it of spreading misleading information about the crowd expected at Saturday’s protest.

An X user posted the video with the caption, “It's 7 in the morning. The party has just begun.” Delhi Police responded to the post with a warning, writing, “Old video alert!” The user subsequently deleted the post.

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Delhi Police responds to claims about protest restrictions

The clarification comes amid discussions on social media over security arrangements across the national capital ahead of the planned demonstration. More than 40,000 Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel have been deployed, while barricades and spike strips have been installed at several locations.


Responding to claims about the crowd outside Jantar Mantar, Delhi Police said the footage was from the July 20 demonstration and accused the user of using it to create a misleading impression of the turnout on Saturday.

“You're using footage from the July 20 demonstration to fabricate fake narratives about today's crowd size. Do not spread engagement-driven misinformation. Rely on verified official updates,” the police said in a social media statement.

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Why Delhi Police says security restrictions are necessary

In a detailed statement, Delhi Police said the security measures and restrictions around Jantar Mantar were intended to balance the right to protest with public safety, the functioning of important establishments and constitutional bodies, and the daily needs of people living and working in the capital.

The police acknowledged that people have a right to protest but said the authorities were also responsible for ensuring that security personnel, demonstrators and members of the public remained safe.

Referring to the July protests at Jantar Mantar, the statement said permission had been granted for a one-day demonstration, but the protest continued for a month. According to the police, more than 200 personnel were injured, while more than 2,000 people with criminal antecedents attended the demonstrations and contributed to violence. The police also said clashes broke out after the situation went out of control, leaving students injured.

“Nobody wants to see that happen again,” the statement said, adding that the authorities had to account for the safety of protesters, police personnel on duty and people passing through the area.

The police further alleged that women constables had been molested and assaulted by protesters at Jantar Mantar during the preceding week, describing the incidents as deeply troubling.

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Police cites Jantar Mantar's capacity

Delhi Police also pointed to the venue’s limited capacity, stating that Jantar Mantar could accommodate only 1,000 people at a time. It said the authorities had to consider the number of people a location could safely hold while preventing disruptions to traffic and economic activity.

The statement said the capital could not be brought to a halt every time a protest took place and stressed that the police had responsibilities towards citizens’ welfare and the city’s economic interests, alongside the rights of demonstrators.

Emphasising the role of organisers, Delhi Police said seeking permission and adhering to the approved arrangements were necessary for effective planning. It added that advance permission allowed authorities to determine the expected number of participants and organise traffic diversions, emergency access and safe crowd movement.

“Seeking permission to protest is not anti-democratic,” the statement said.