New Delhi: Delhi Police have tightened security across the national capital ahead of the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Connaught Place on Friday evening. More than 6,000 police personnel and 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed in the New Delhi district to manage crowds and maintain law and order.
Security has been strengthened at key locations, including Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk, Central Park, Jantar Mantar, Palika Bazaar, metro stations and prominent areas of Lutyens’ Delhi. Additional personnel have also been mobilised from other districts to prevent any untoward incidents during the march.
Barricades have been installed at several locations, including Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, ITO and Sansad Marg. Police have made arrangements to regulate entry and exit points and minimise disruption to commuters and businesses in the busy commercial district.
Additional forces kept on standby
A senior police officer said another 5,000 personnel from other districts had been kept on standby to meet any emerging security requirements. Security personnel will be deployed in three shifts, with 30 CAPF companies operating during each shift.
If the crowd swells or the demonstration continues late into the night, the number of CAPF companies deployed per shift could be increased to 60, the officer said.
Surveillance has also been intensified around Central Park and Rajiv Chowk. More than 10 CCTV cameras have been installed around Central Park to monitor crowd movement and record possible violations.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park will remain closed to the public on Friday and Saturday, citing administrative reasons. Police may permit a designated group to hoist the national flag and sing the national anthem at an appropriate location.
Protest linked to Chief Election Commissioner
The march comes amid CJP’s protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and its confrontation with Delhi Police. The party had called for the demonstration after its leaders, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were remanded to judicial custody following their entry into Jantar Mantar on October 13.
Student groups, social activists and supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are expected to participate in the march. Police have taken precautionary measures in view of the possibility of a large turnout and said security arrangements would be adjusted as required.
