20,000 cops, 300 cameras, 12 detention centres: Delhi's plan to contain CJP protest

Delhi Police has rolled out a large security and surveillance plan ahead of the CJP protest on October 10 after denying permission for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The arrangements include barricades, detention centres and extensive recording measures.Senior Delhi Police officers have also briefed personnel deployed for the October 10 protest and instructed them to maintain restraint and deal with the situation professionally. (Credits: Reuters)New Delhi,Oct 9, 2026 20:49 ISTThe Delhi Police has drawn up an extensive security and surveillance plan ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest scheduled for October 10, with more than 20,000 security personnel expected to be deployed across New Delhi, central Delhi and the borders of the national capital.The police has denied permission for the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar.The security arrangements are aimed at preventing unauthorised gatherings, maintaining law and order and ensuring that protesters do not enter sensitive areas of the New Delhi district.HOME SECRETARY DIRECTS STATES AHEAD OF CJP PROTESTUnion Home Secretary Govind Mohan has written to police chiefs of all states and Union Territories, directing them to coordinate with Delhi Police ahead of the CJP’s proposed October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police denied permission, citing procedural requirements, previous law-and-order concerns and the possibility of large gatherings affecting security and traffic.The Home Secretary’s letter referred to intelligence inputs suggesting that CJP members could attempt to enter Delhi despite the restrictions. (Credits: Arvind Ojha) States were asked to strengthen coordination among intelligence agencies, border-monitoring authorities and Delhi Police, share information continuously and take necessary precautionary measures to maintain public order.6,500 PERSONNEL IN 1.5-KM SENSITIVE ZONEA radius of around 1.5 km has been identified as a highly sensitive zone. The area includes Jantar Mantar, Janpath, the Election Commission and Delhi Police headquarters.More than 6,500 security personnel will be deployed within this zone. Multiple layers of barricading have also been installed around Jantar Mantar, with at least seven layers placed on roads leading towards the protest site.Loudspeakers have been installed at several sensitive locations. Recorded announcements are being used to inform people that permission for the protest has not been granted and asking them to refrain from raising slogans, damaging public property or assaulting police personnel.12 DETENTION CENTRES SET UPSenior Delhi Police officers have also briefed personnel deployed for the October 10 protest and instructed them to maintain restraint and deal with the situation professionally, sources said.According to sources, officers specifically told personnel not to react if protesters attempt to provoke them and to exercise maximum restraint. Senior officers also referred to lessons from the previous CJP protest and instructed the force to maintain a similar professional approach during the upcoming demonstration.The police has also made it clear that unauthorised gatherings will not be permitted. People arriving in Delhi to participate in the protest may be detained and taken to designated detention centres. Delhi Police has prepared 12 detention centres for the purpose, sources said.The briefing also reportedly covered situations involving people claiming to be independent journalists. Officers were told that action could be taken, depending on the circumstances, if anyone attempts to provoke personnel or create a confrontation while claiming to be a journalist.OVER 300 CCTV CAMERAS INSTALLEDTo strengthen surveillance, more than 300 CCTV cameras with audio and video capabilities have been installed at sensitive points in the New Delhi district.The police is also deploying body cameras for senior officers, including officials of the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police and above. Around 100 photographers and videographers have reportedly been engaged to record the protest and the police response in real time.The footage is expected to provide a detailed record of events and serve as evidence in case of law-and-order violations.AWARENESS DRIVE ACROSS DELHIThe Delhi Police has also launched an awareness campaign through community centres, mosques and resident welfare associations.The campaign seeks to inform residents that the October 10 protest has not been granted permission and that people travelling to New Delhi with the intention of participating could face police action.Hotels, lodges and other accommodation facilities in and around New Delhi and central Delhi are also being checked. Owners and operators have been advised to inform police if they notice people staying at their properties with plans to participate in the protest.The police has also issued instructions to Airbnb operators and property owners to remain vigilant.NO PERMISSION SOUGHT FOR RAMLEELA MAIDANOn the possibility of shifting the protest to Ramlila Maidan, Delhi Police has clarified that no application seeking permission to hold a demonstration there has been received so far.According to the police, organisers would first have to submit a formal application. The competent authorities would then examine the request and take a decision.FOCUS ON POLICE CONDUCT AND IMAGEThe security plan also places emphasis on documenting the police response. The Delhi Police is seeking to ensure that events during the protest are comprehensively recorded amid criticism and social media posts concerning its handling of previous demonstrations.Senior officers will remain present at the site and will take decisions based on the situation, sources said. The force has been instructed to function professionally throughout the operation.The Delhi Police has also issued an open letter to residents, appealing for cooperation and emphasising that personnel in uniform are also members of families and communities.The force is now working to implement the security plan on the ground while seeking to maintain law and order and prevent disruption in the New Delhi district during the CJP protest.- Ends