Delhi: Security Forces Detain Content Creators During CJP Protest
Security forces in Delhi have detained hundreds, including content creators, to prevent CJP protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar.
A massive security operation swept through the national capital on Saturday as Delhi Police and various security agencies moved to intercept demonstrators planned for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest. In a significant development, several content creators were among those detained by authorities at Dhaula Kuan as part of a widespread crackdown to prevent protesters from reaching their target locations.
The city saw an intense deployment of multi-agency forces, with heavy barricades, spike strips, and intensive vehicle inspections being carried out at key entry points. The primary objective was to block activists from reaching the designated protest sites, including Jantar Mantar and Sansad Marg, where the CJP had called for a demonstration against the Election Commission.
Massive Detentions and Criminal Antecedents
The scale of the police operation was unprecedented. According to official statements, Delhi Police detained approximately 500 individuals who were arriving in various groups from different parts of the country. To ensure public order was maintained, authorities also picked up nearly 50 individuals identified as having criminal antecedents, aiming to prevent any potential incitement of trouble or disruption of the peace.
DCP Kumar Abhishek confirmed the ongoing preventive measures, stating that the operation had been active since Friday night. "In view of the protest announced in New Delhi today, preventive checks have been implemented here. Female staff are present, and we are checking all vehicles. We have detained some individuals who were planning to participate in today's protest," he told reporters.
City Divided into 20 Security Zones
To manage the sheer volume of detainees and maintain control over the capital, the New Delhi district was strategically divided into 20 operational zones. Each zone has been assigned dedicated detention centres to process those intercepted by the police.
In a massive logistical undertaking, several stadiums across the city have been converted into temporary detention facilities. The designated centres include:
- Chhatrasal Stadium
- Rajiv Gandhi Stadium
- Yamuna Sports Complex
- Surajmal Stadium
- Community Centre in Daulatpur
- Community Centre in Pandrawal
Heightened Security and Metro Closures
The atmosphere in Delhi remains tense with extreme precautions in place to avoid a repeat of the unrest seen during previous protests in July. The security lockdown has had a significant impact on urban mobility, with 46 Metro stations reportedly closed to the public to prevent large gatherings.
Police tactics have also shifted. Unlike previous demonstrations, such as those involving the INDIA bloc, security teams have been specifically authorized to carry lathis and batons. However, there is a strict directive regarding how officers interact with the public. Following reports of protesters attempting to record and circulate videos to portray police in a negative light, personnel have been instructed to avoid verbal confrontations with demonstrators.
As CJP activists remain firm in their call to protest the Election Commission, security forces continue to maintain a heavy presence at all major entry points and sensitive locations across the capital.