Delhi turns into a fortress ahead of CJP’s Jantar Mantar protest : 7,000 CRPF personnel brought in, hotels checked

Delhi is under heavy security ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10. The CJP has called the protest to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Around 7,000 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel are being moved to the capital, The Hindu reported. The force comprises 70 companies, 40 from West Bengal and 30 from Chhattisgarh. The deployment follows directions from the Union Home Ministry, according to two official communications cited by the newspaper. The personnel have been asked to carry anti-riot gear, weapons and prescribed ammunition. They will work alongside Delhi Police and other central units.

Delhi Police are also checking hotels, guest houses and hostels across the city. Officers are questioning guests they consider “suspicious” and inspecting registers. They are looking for people arriving in large groups or staying for short periods around the protest dates. Police are also tracking third-party bookings, and special units are monitoring key CJP members and travel into Delhi.

Police sources cited in the reports said there was intelligence that “suspicious persons” were coming to Delhi to join the protest and violate law and order.

The restrictions go beyond hotels. Delhi Police have asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to close entry and exit gates at 57 stations from 9 pm on Friday, October 9. They have also suggested reducing train frequency. Security at Jantar Mantar has been tight since October 2. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) bar processions, rallies and dharnas in the area.

Senior police officials told Newslaundry that preparations are stricter than for the CJP’s July protests. They said police would try to stop people from reaching Jantar Mantar.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has called on supporters from across the country to march to Delhi. He has said the protest will be peaceful. The CJP’s call follows a rally at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, which drew thousands.

The CJP says the protest is about alleged voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Election Commission has denied any wrongdoing.