New Delhi: The Delhi Police has drawn up an extensive security and surveillance blueprint ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party protest scheduled for October 10, deploying more than 20,000 security personnel across New Delhi, central Delhi, and the capital's borders. Authorities have explicitly denied permission for the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar, citing procedural requirements, previous law-and-order concerns, and potential risks to security and traffic.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has written to the police chiefs of all states and Union Territories, urging them to coordinate closely with Delhi Police. Intelligence inputs indicate that CJP members might attempt to enter the capital despite the restrictions. Consequently, state authorities have been asked to strengthen intelligence sharing, monitor border regions, and take precautionary measures to preserve public order.
A radius of roughly 1.5 kilometres encompassing Jantar Mantar, Janpath, the Election Commission, and Delhi Police headquarters has been designated as a highly sensitive zone. More than 6,500 security personnel will be stationed within this perimeter, backed by at least seven layers of barricades on approach roads. Authorities have also installed loudspeakers at critical locations to broadcast warnings that the protest lacks permission and to advise individuals against engaging in slogan chanting, property damage, or assaults on police staff.
To manage unauthorized gatherings, the department has established 12 designated detention centres across the city. Individuals arriving to join the demonstration face potential detention and removal to these facilities. Senior commanders have briefed deployed personnel to maintain utmost professionalism and restraint, instructing them not to react to potential provocations from demonstrators. Directives were also issued regarding individuals claiming to be independent journalists, noting that action could be taken if anyone attempts to spark confrontations under the guise of press credentials.
Surveillance has been significantly ramped up with the installation of over 300 audio-video CCTV cameras across sensitive areas of the New Delhi district. Body-worn cameras are being issued to senior officers of the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police and above, while approximately 100 photographers and videographers have been deployed to document events in real time for evidentiary purposes.
In parallel, law enforcement has initiated an awareness drive via community centers, mosques, and resident welfare associations to warn citizens that the demonstration is unauthorized and that participants risk legal consequences. Lodging facilities, hotels, and Airbnb operators across central and New Delhi are being inspected, with owners instructed to report guests intending to join the protest. Regarding speculation about shifting the gathering to Ramlila Maidan, police confirmed that no formal application has been submitted to authorities for that venue.
The sweeping operational plan also emphasizes professional police conduct and comprehensive visual documentation to address scrutiny from past demonstrations. Senior officers will maintain a physical presence on the ground to direct the response, while an open letter has been issued to the public appealing for cooperation and highlighting the welfare of the police personnel on duty.