Jantar Mantar Protest: Security Tightened with 150 CAPF Companies and 18 DCPs

The Cockroach Janata Party protest at Jantar Mantar enters its 36th day over paper leak issues. Authorities have deployed 150 CAPF companies and 18 DCPs, while 18 metro stations remain closed and liquor shops face early closure to maintain law and order in the national capital.

The protest led by the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar has entered its 36th day, with demonstrators continuing their agitation against paper leaks and demanding comprehensive reforms in the education system. As the number of students gathering at the site remains high, the Delhi Police and central authorities have Importantly intensified security measures in and around the protest venue. The atmosphere at Jantar Mantar is marked by heavy surveillance and a massive deployment of security personnel to prevent any untoward incidents during the ongoing demonstrations.

Massive Security Deployment and Barricading

To ensure law and order, the Delhi Police has implemented a multi-layered security strategy. Additional barricades have been placed around Jantar Mantar, which aren't only linked with strong iron chains but have also been reinforced through welding to prevent them from being moved or breached by the crowd. According to official reports, 10 additional companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been ordered to be airlifted from Chhattisgarh to Delhi. The News Agency PTI has reported that approximately 150 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed across Delhi in the coming days. Each CAPF company consists of about 100 personnel. Currently, around 100 such companies are already assisting the local police in maintaining peace in the national capital.

Strategic Oversight by 18 DCPs

In a major overhaul of the security apparatus at Jantar Mantar, 18 District Commissioners of Police (DCPs) have been assigned to oversee the protest site and its surrounding routes. This decision follows a high-level meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while under this new arrangement, each entry and exit route will be monitored by a different district police unit. The entire operation is being supervised by a Special Commissioner of Police, with a primary focus on crowd control and traffic management. This strategic shift comes after reports of attacks on police personnel. Also, the Crime Branch is investigating allegations regarding the use of pellet guns, while a Special STF has been formed by the Delhi Police to crack down on the recruitment exam mafia involved in paper leaks.

Impact on Public Transport: 18 Metro Stations Closed

Commuters in Central Delhi continue to face significant disruptions as 18 metro stations remain closed for the fourth consecutive day due to security concerns. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that these stations would be shut from 7:30 AM on Saturday until further notice. The list of closed stations includes:

Lok Kalyan Marg
Rajiv Chowk
Patel Chowk
Ramakrishna Ashram Marg
Barakhamba Road
Supreme Court
Sewa Teerth
Janpath
Mandi House
Central Secretariat
ITO
Delhi Gate
Indraprastha
Khan Market
Jor Bagh
Shivaji Stadium
New Delhi
Jhandewalan

While these stations are closed for entry and exit, the DMRC has clarified that interchange facilities will remain available for passengers at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat stations.

Restrictions on Liquor Sales

In addition to transport restrictions, the Delhi government has issued directives to limit the operating hours of liquor shops, while during the weekend, all liquor stores in the city are required to close by 8 PM. This is a departure from the usual closing time of 10 PM. A senior Delhi government official stated that this decision was based on inputs from the police regarding the current situation arising from the Jantar Mantar protests. Many residents expressed disappointment on Thursday when shops closed early without prior notice, forcing them to return empty-handed.