Delhi Police detain over 100 people and launch massive security operation ahead of CJP protest

Delhi Police have detained at least 100 people with criminal records in overnight operations across the capital, as authorities put in place an extensive security grid ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Saturday.

Officers picked up past offenders across all 15 police districts and placed potential crowd mobilisers under surveillance to prevent gatherings. The demonstration was called by the CJP to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over an ongoing dispute regarding voter rolls.

What security measures are in place across Delhi

Around 35,000 security personnel have been deployed across the capital, including more than 26,000 troops drawn from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) brought in from Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. To transport the extra forces, the Ministry of Railways ran six special trains at short notice following emergency discussions with the Prime Minister's Office.

Police denied permission for the rally, citing rules that require protest applications to be submitted at least 10 days in advance. Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said CJP organisers filed their request at the last minute. CJP leaders maintained that they were notifying the police rather than seeking formal approval, arguing that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site.

The security layout includes more than 30 major blockade points, three-layer barricades arranged in a zigzag pattern to slow down movement, and 30 to 35 makeshift detention centres set up in stadiums, community halls, and police stations. Police have also stationed 600 buses and 25 cranes to assist with potential detentions and clear blockades.

Transport and metro disruptions

Travel across the capital faces severe disruption. Following directives from the police, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced gate closures and service restrictions at 45 stations, including key hubs like Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, and Kashmere Gate, with restrictions remaining in place until 6 pm on Saturday.

Rail services entering the capital have also been restricted. Indian Railways cancelled 75 Mail and Express trains alongside 179 local short-distance trains running into Delhi between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday, citing intelligence inputs regarding traffic congestion near New Delhi and Nizamuddin stations. Police officers also tracked passenger records and coordinated with regional police forces to intercept incoming groups at state borders and airports.

Mobile internet services have been suspended within a four-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar. Major commercial markets, including Connaught Place, Sadar Bazar, Karol Bagh, and Chandni Chowk, confirmed they will remain shut on Saturday, while liquor shops across the city were ordered closed on Friday and Saturday.