As the digital outfit Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) prepares to hold a protest rally at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, the Delhi Police said it has not received any request from the organisation seeking permission for the gathering.
Despite the absence of a formal application, more than 1,000 police personnel have been deployed across New Delhi as a precautionary measure, officials said. “We will examine their request if and when they seek permission,” a senior police officer said.
According to police sources, authorities became aware of the proposed protest largely through social media posts and messages circulating online. The police have not received any official communication from the outfit led by Abhijeet Dipke, they added. Dipke had called on supporters and students to join his protest, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination-related lapses.
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Officials said the force is closely monitoring developments and has begun preliminary security preparations in anticipation of the gathering.
Earlier on Friday, senior Delhi Police officers held a high-level review meeting to assess the situation and review security arrangements ahead of the proposed protest. All district units have been placed on standby, and further decisions will be taken based on intelligence inputs and the evolving ground situation, sources said.
Describing the situation as “very dynamic”, police officers said assessments were being carried out at multiple levels to ensure preparedness for any eventuality.
Police sources said they learnt about the proposed protest primarily through social media posts and messages circulating online, and added that they have yet to receive any formal communication from the Abhijeet Dipke-led outfit. Delhi Police generally does not permit demonstrations without prior approval and the necessary permissions. Officials said it would be premature to comment on any specific action at this stage.
Sources said intelligence agencies are also examining reports suggesting possible backing for the proposed protest from certain political groups. Several political leaders are under scrutiny as part of the assessment process, they added.
Police said they are prepared to deploy personnel in sensitive areas, if required, to maintain law and order in the national capital. Further developments will be reviewed as the situation unfolds. Dipke had called on supporters and students to join his protest in Jantar Mantar on June 6, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination-related lapses.
Dipke said he would fly back from the US to lead the protest. Education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also said he would join the protest if Pradhan does not step down by June 5.
Originally launched as a satirical response to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s remarks, referring to certain individuals as “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a court hearing last month, CJP has since taken the shape of an organised campaign, with significant followers online.
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