Delhi Tightens Security for CEC Protest
Security has been tightened across central Delhi ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with thousands of police personnel deployed and entry and exit closed at 11 Metro stations.
4,000 Police Deployed for Jantar Mantar Protest
Around 4,000 personnel from Delhi Police, reserve units and central forces have been deployed in and around Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations.
Twenty companies of the Central Armed Police Forces have also been mobilised, while authorities have sought additional forces as a precaution.
Multi-layer barricades have been installed across Tolstoy Marg, Janpath Road, Sansad Marg and roads leading towards Jantar Mantar.
Delhi Police Denies Permission for CEC Protest
Delhi Police said permission had not been granted for the October 2 demonstration, citing prohibitory orders and security concerns in the New Delhi district.
Several political, student and civil society groups nevertheless announced plans to gather at Jantar Mantar to demand Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and maintained that its final decisions were taken through established institutional procedures.
11 Delhi Metro Stations Closed
Entry and exit were suspended at 11 Metro stations, including Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi.
Interchange facilities remain available at several major stations despite the restrictions.
Traffic diversions have also been imposed around Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Parliament Street and nearby central Delhi roads.
