Security tightened at Jantar Mantar amid CJP protest
Security was intensified across central Delhi on Thursday as authorities tightened restrictions around Jantar Mantar amid the continuing Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest.
This included ordering commercial establishments in Connaught Place to shut early, closing several Metro stations, suspending internet services in parts of the New Delhi district, and implementing extensive road diversions.
In a significant precautionary measure, the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) advised all shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place to close by 6:30 pm after receiving telephonic directions from the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
The traders’ body cited the “critical situation” around Connaught Place due to the ongoing protest and urged establishments to comply to prevent any untoward incident, property damage, or injuries.
The security arrangements also disrupted access to the Supreme Court. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant took note of concerns raised by the Supreme Court Bar Association over the closure of Metro stations, saying he would intervene if the issue was not resolved by lunchtime. The CJI also directed that no adverse orders should be passed solely because lawyers were unable to attend court due to the prevailing situation.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) shut at least 16 Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, ITO, Supreme Court, Khan Market, Patel Chowk, Janpath and Lok Kalyan Marg, while Jhandewalan station was also closed until further orders citing security reasons.
The restrictions also disrupted daily life for thousands of commuters and office-goers across central Delhi. With several Metro stations shut and exits sealed, many passengers were left confused about which stations remained operational and where they could disembark.
Commuters reported taking longer, circuitous routes to reach offices and other destinations, while many employees said they were stranded due to the sudden closures. Several also complained of spending significantly more on taxis, auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs to commute to work this week amid the heightened security measures.
Apart from the Metro closures, internet services remained suspended in several parts of the New Delhi district. Multiple roads leading to Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and adjoining areas witnessed heavy barricading and traffic diversions as security personnel maintained a tight vigil.
The heightened deployment follows violent clashes that erupted during the CJP’s “Sansad Chalo” march earlier this week, in which several police personnel were injured and multiple FIRs were registered. Police have since launched a large-scale investigation, examining hundreds of videos and CCTV footage to identify those allegedly involved in attacks on security personnel.
Meanwhile, several videos circulating on social media purportedly show men in casual clothes carrying lathis allegedly assaulting police personnel and members of the media at the protest site. The authenticity of the videos has not been independently verified. The CJP denied that its protesters were involved in the violence reported between July 20 and 22, maintaining that those responsible were not affiliated with the organisation.
Security officials remained on high alert throughout Thursday as authorities sought to prevent any fresh outbreak of violence while allowing the protest to continue under close surveillance.
