Delhi Police increases security and surveillance ahead of planned protest at Jantar Mantar

Ahead of a planned demonstration by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, the Delhi Police has ramped up surveillance and security checks across hotels, hostels, and guest houses in the capital. The October 10 protest has been organised to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with multiple opposition groups slated to take part.

Authorities have denied permission for the gathering, citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Complementing these restrictions, 57 Delhi Metro stations are scheduled to close beginning from the night of October 9, while additional personnel, barricades, and deployment plans have been established across the New Delhi district to block unauthorized assemblies.

Police teams are actively inspecting accommodation facilities by scrutinising guest registers and verifying identity documents against management logs. The checks place special emphasis on individuals who checked in between October 8 and 11, incoming young groups, and rooms secured via third-party bookings. Operators of hotels and guest houses have been directed to flag any arrivals linked to the protest.

Transport networks are also facing scrutiny. Officers are monitoring bus operators and passenger bookings to detect organised travel into the New Delhi district, alongside surveillance at railway stations, the airport, and entry corridors leading into the capital.

Law enforcement has extended its outreach to educational institutions and paying guest accommodations to discourage student participation. Anita Bora, a student at a Delhi University college living in a Timarpur paying guest facility, stated that authorities instructed the owner to monitor residents’ movements. “We have been told to come back well before our 8.30pm curfew and all requests for stay over now stands cancelled,” she said.

Authorities have additionally approached religious leaders to foster peace. A Central Delhi Police Station SHO, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that appeals were made to counsel communities against joining the demonstration. “We have advised them to tell their people that joining such protests is not good. The last time, after taking permissions for one day, they did not vacate for over a fortnight and we took the blame,” the officer said.

Amid these preparations, Delhi top cop Madhur Verma has urged restraint, publicly advising individuals to prepare for the situation.