2,000 policemen, 20 paramilitary companies: Delhi's massive security arrangements around Jantar Mantar amid CJP protest

Delhi Police imposed extensive security measures around Jantar Mantar and the Parliament complex during the early hours of the day amid Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Chalo Sansad' march on Monday. According to PTI citing eyewitnesses, Delhi Police resorted to baton charges to disperse hundreds of students and youth activists who were marching from Mandi House Metro Station towards Jantar Mantar on Monday in an effort to reach the CJP protest venue.

Terming the march unauthorised, the authorities deployed over 2,000 police and paramilitary personnel, along with anti-riot units and specialised crowd-control equipment, to ensure that public order was maintained and to prevent any security violations, according to Hindustan Times.

The police stationed 20 companies of paramilitary forces. The arrangements also included specialised anti-riot vehicles, ambulances and a mobile command centre, with the heaviest deployment concentrated around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and other key entry points in the capital.

Jantar Mantar security arrangenents in early morning on 20 July

As thousands of people gathered at Jantar Mantar in the early hours, Delhi Police strengthened security by erecting two layers of barricades on the four roads leading to the protest site. At the same time, barricades and metal detectors positioned close to the venue were removed to create a larger enclosed area for the gathering. By approximately 5 am, the police had kept a single narrow corridor open at every entry and exit point, allowing controlled movement of people into and out of the protest venue

What protestors said

Several parts of central Delhi witnessed tense scenes as security personnel used batons, lathis and tear gas to disperse protesters near Constitution Club, Patel Chowk, Shastri Bhawan, the RBI Building and the Parliament Street area. Internet services were also suspended across large parts of the locality.

"They tried to stop us multiple times. There was heavy barricading all along the route. We also faced lathicharge and tear gas, but we will not turn back," PTI quoted Glory, a Delhi University student who took part in the march, as saying.

"Is this not our country? Do we, as citizens, not have the right to raise questions and challenge situations we do not agree with? Why are they resorting to lathicharge against students who have come here only to demand their rights?" asked 52-year-old Kaniz Fatima, an alumna of Jamia Millia Islamia

‘Protest is being handled professionally’: Delhi Police

New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma, however, stated that not even a single Delhi Police personnel has used force on protesters so far.

Delhi Police, in a statement on X, said, “Some segments from media have mentioned sporadic use of violence/detentions at Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police. It is informed that no such incident has taken place and protest is being handled professionally. All are requested not to fall pray to any rumour/ misgivings and to assist Delhi Police in maintaining peace and public order at and around the site.”

‘No permission sought or granted’: Police

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sachin Sharma on Sunday posted a public advisory on X on Sunday, saying that the “Delhi Police categorically clarifies that no permission has been sought or granted for any such protest march/procession.” The prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS (formerly Section 144 CrPC) is currently in effect in the New Delhi district, according to the DCP's post.

The protests coincided with the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, during which both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned multiple times following disruptions by Opposition members over the CJP-led demonstration that began at Jantar Mantar.

The demonstrators have been demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in public examinations and are calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.