In light of the ongoing protests in the national capital, the Delhi Police has Importantly tightened security measures across various sensitive locations, while as part of these heightened security protocols, several metro stations have been closed to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. Following these developments, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued a formal advisory directed at app-based cab aggregators, food delivery platforms, quick commerce companies, and logistics services. These entities have been advised to limit or restrict their services in areas where Section 163 has been implemented. The police have also made a public appeal to citizens, urging them to avoid non-essential travel to restricted zones and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure the maintenance of peace and order in the city.
Restrictions on App-Based Services and Logistics
The advisory specifically targets the operational flow of app-based services in protest-hit regions. By asking cab services, food delivery partners, and quick commerce platforms to scale back their operations in Section 163 areas, the police aim to reduce congestion and prevent any potential security breaches. This move is seen as a preventive measure to manage the movement of people and goods in areas where large gatherings are prohibited. Logistics companies have also been included in this advisory, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the security arrangements currently in place across Delhi. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation to decide on further actions based on the evolving ground reality.
Action Against Bitchat App and Mesh Networks
In a significant move related to digital security, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has requested GitHub to block the Bitchat application. Bitchat is a messaging platform based on Bluetooth Mesh Network technology, which allows users to send messages without the need for an active internet connection or a mobile network. The Delhi Police is currently investigating the potential use of such bluetooth-based messaging apps during the 'Samsad Chalo' march. According to I4C, these types of applications can be utilized during internet shutdowns to facilitate communication that's difficult to monitor.
Security Concerns Regarding Offline Messaging
The agency has expressed concerns that mesh network apps like Bitchat could be exploited for activities such as inciting riots, organizing crime, facilitating terrorism, managing unlawful assemblies, and spreading rumors or misleading information. In a Mesh Network, every device connects directly to other nearby devices, acting as a node to pass along messages from others. This decentralized system doesn't require a central server, internet, or mobile network to function. Typically, a message can travel from one device to another via Bluetooth over a distance of 10 to 100 meters. However, when multiple devices are interconnected, they form a chain that Importantly extends the reach of the network, allowing messages to travel across much larger distances without any traditional infrastructure.
Police Clarification on Food Delivery Allegations
Amidst the security operations, the Delhi Police has also addressed and dismissed certain allegations circulating on social media. On Friday, the police rejected claims that three individuals carrying food for protesters at Jantar Mantar were detained at the Nizamuddin police station. " A statement issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East) clarified that law enforcement personnel didn't stop or prevent anyone from carrying food to the protest site. The clarification was intended to dispel rumors that could potentially inflame tensions during the sensitive period of the protests.
Routine Checks and Identification Procedures
The police further explained that the individuals in question were only stopped as part of routine picket and checkpoint duties. These checks are standard procedure to verify the identity of people in vehicles and to ascertain their points of origin and destination. According to the police report, while the identification process was being conducted, the driver of the vehicle left the spot with the car and all the food items. During the initial inquiry, the occupants of the vehicle informed the police that the food was intended for the protest site, while the police emphasized that such checks are necessary for maintaining security and shouldn't be misinterpreted as an attempt to block essential supplies or target specific groups.