Delhi is preparing for heightened security in the capital’s central business district as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) plans to hold a Tiranga Yatra, or national flag march, in Connaught Place on October 16. More than 6,000 police personnel are expected to be deployed across the Lutyens’ Delhi area, with additional security forces, barricades and surveillance cameras put in place to prevent any law-and-order situation.
The Delhi Police has also reserved 5,000 additional personnel from other districts to strengthen security around Rajiv Chowk, Connaught Place markets, Central Park, nearby Metro stations, Jantar Mantar and Palika Bazaar. The arrangements come amid expectations of a large gathering and concerns about possible disruptions to public movement and commercial activity.
In addition to the police deployment, 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been earmarked for security duties in New Delhi and surrounding areas. According to a senior police officer, 30 companies will be deployed in each shift, with three shifts planned during the day. If the crowd increases at night or the security situation demands additional reinforcement, the deployment could be increased to 60 companies in a single shift.
CJP Announces Tiranga Yatra After Arrests of Co-Convenors
CJP convenor Abhijeet Dipke announced the proposed march after co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were arrested on Tuesday morning. The two were subsequently sent to five days of judicial custody in connection with the unfurling of the national flag.
Dipke is expected to lead the march alongside student organisations, activists and members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The proposed gathering was scheduled to begin at 5 pm on October 16, with participants expected to assemble at Central Park in Connaught Place.
However, the proposed march has encountered a significant hurdle, with Delhi Police making it clear that permission has not been granted for the gathering at the proposed location.
Delhi Police Denies Permission, Cites Prohibitory Orders
Delhi Police spokesperson Neha Yadav said the authorities had not authorised the march and that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas.
Yadav said the police could consider allowing a limited number of protesters to conduct a flag march at another suitable location, subject to permission and security considerations.
In a statement, the police said the CJP had appealed to people to join the proposed national flag march at Central Park at 5 pm. The AAP had also urged its supporters and members of the public to participate in the gathering.
The police cited the prevailing security situation while reiterating that unauthorised gatherings would not be permitted in the restricted area. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has informed the police that Central Park will remain closed on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons.
The NDMC has also asked the police to make appropriate security arrangements to protect the park and prevent unauthorised entry.
CCTV Surveillance and Barricades Strengthen Security
As part of the preparations, police have installed more than 10 CCTV cameras in and around Central Park and the Rajiv Chowk area. Officials said the additional cameras were necessary because the park previously had limited surveillance infrastructure and a substantial crowd was expected.
A police officer estimated that between 30,000 and 50,000 people could gather for the proposed march. The new cameras are intended to record the gathering and help authorities collect evidence in the event of violations or other untoward incidents.
Dozens of barricades were also seen along roads near Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, ITO, Sansad Marg and other parts of the capital. However, police had not blocked any roads as of Thursday evening, according to the report.
Officers acknowledged that securing Connaught Place would be challenging because of the area’s size, multiple entry points and the need to maintain public movement. Police personnel from other districts are being called in to support the operation.
Authorities are also coordinating with market associations, which have requested protection for shops and commercial establishments. According to Yadav, traders have raised concerns that large gatherings could disrupt business operations.
The police have appealed to the public not to participate in gatherings that violate prohibitory orders or threaten public peace. Officials warned that action would be taken against those found violating the law, while leaving open the possibility of permitting a smaller flag march at an alternative venue.
With thousands of personnel, CAPF companies, surveillance cameras and barricades being deployed, Delhi Police is preparing for a potentially large mobilisation while attempting to minimise disruption to residents, commuters and businesses in Connaught Place.






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