Delhi Police has banned the gathering of people in the entire New Delhi area under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS). Security remained tight in Central Delhi on Saturday. Barricades were put up at Jantar Mantar, while additional security personnel were deployed outside the headquarters of Delhi Police and Election Commission of India. This step has been taken in view of the possibility of fresh protests by leftist organizations. A day before this, about 2,000 people had gathered in Connaught Place and surrounding areas for the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protest.
Barricades are still in place at Jantar Mantar and security arrangements are tight. Security personnel are deployed at all three entry and exit points near Ashok Road roundabout and on Tolstoy Marg and Sansad Marg. According to an official with knowledge of the matter, additional barricades have also been installed on Ashok Road and Jai Singh Road to prevent crowding. A ban on gathering of people is in force in the entire New Delhi area under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS).
Security arrangements fully prepared
Security has been beefed up outside the Delhi Police Headquarters and the Election Commission of India headquarters. This step has been taken after receiving intelligence that some leftist organizations may organize a women's march outside the police headquarters. These organizations have alleged that police used sexual violence during the protests. An official said that information has been received from the Intelligence Branch that some leftist groups have planned to take out a march outside the police headquarters on Saturday morning. He said that protests are not allowed in New Delhi area, hence people will not be allowed to gather at any place. According to the official, the security arrangements are fully prepared to deal with any sudden protest.
More than 200 companies of paramilitary forces deployed
According to a senior police officer, more than 200 companies of central armed paramilitary forces are deployed to deal with the protests in Delhi. These include about 20,000 male and female soldiers. Their largest deployment has been made in Central Delhi. Security has been increased especially around Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg, Election Commission Headquarters and Connaught Place. Apart from this, security personnel have also been deployed outside the residences of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and other key ministers. Officials said around 10,000 Delhi Police personnel have also been kept in reserve to deal with the protests and marches in the city.
About 2,000 people had gathered in and around Connaught Place.
Earlier on Friday evening, about 2,000 people had gathered in Connaught Place and surrounding areas for the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protest. The demonstration was scheduled to take place in Central Park at 5 pm. Due to not getting permission from the police for the demonstration, there was heavy deployment of Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel in Connaught Place and surrounding areas since Thursday. By Friday afternoon, hundreds of soldiers surrounded Central Park and closed all its entrances, so that no one could enter inside the park.
Police deployed in Connaught Place to maintain law and order
Senior police officers conducted a flag march on the footpaths in Connaught Place and restricted the movement of people around the incident site. During this period, movement of journalists also remained restricted. By 7:30 pm on Friday, police removed the protesters from the Connaught Place area. Around 150 people were detained till 9 pm, who were later released. Another police officer said that police force is still deployed in Connaught Place to prevent any kind of protest and maintain law and order in the area.
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