Delhi Imposes High Security Measures Amid Planned Protests Over Voter Roll Revision

Delhi is on high alert on Saturday, October 10, ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)'s proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police has deployed more than 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel, set up six designated detention centres and prepared surveillance measures involving body cameras, facial recognition systems, CCTV cameras and drones. The security arrangements come despite the police denying permission for the demonstration. Authorities have also announced traffic diversions across central Delhi, while dozens of Metro stations have been closed and internet restrictions imposed in parts of the capital. The protest is expected to draw students, political groups and CJP supporters demanding accountability over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Police sources estimate that around 7,000 protesters could arrive in Delhi.134846320Delhi Police deploys body cameras, drones and facial recognition systemsThe security plan includes several layers of monitoring across central Delhi. Police personnel have been instructed to use body-worn cameras while on duty, with officials saying the devices can record incidents even in low-light conditions. A police officer told ANI that the cameras would help establish what happened during confrontations and address allegations of misconduct. These body cams are to protect us and others, the officer said, adding that the recordings could help determine whether police personnel had acted improperly. Authorities are also preparing to deploy facial recognition systems, additional CCTV cameras, rooftop spotters and drones to monitor crowds and identify potential trouble spots. Police officials have instructed personnel to remain calm and avoid reacting to provocative behaviour. According to ANI, the police commissioner told officers to maintain restraint and handle the situation professionally. The force is also preparing for possible attempts to gather at locations beyond Jantar Mantar. Teams have reportedly been directed to detain people attempting to stage unauthorised demonstrations, regardless of where they assemble. Six detention centres identified for protestersDelhi Police has designated six locations to accommodate people detained during the security operation. The centres are:Chhatrasal StadiumRajiv Gandhi StadiumYamuna Sports ComplexSurajmal StadiumCommunity Centre, DaulatpurCommunity Centre, PandrawalAdditional women police personnel have also been called in from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for the October 10 deployment. Police have further instructed Central Armed Police Forces units not to issue weapons for duties associated with the demonstration. Police teams have, however, been authorised to carry lathis and batons.134835500Officials have also asked personnel to avoid verbal confrontations, citing concerns that videos of clashes could be recorded and circulated on social media. The arrangements follow an earlier CJP protest on July 20, which police officials have cited as a learning experience for managing subsequent demonstrations. Delhi traffic diversions today: Check affected roadsDelhi Traffic Police has announced diversions from 6 am on Saturday, depending on the prevailing law-and-order situation. Commuters travelling through New Delhi and central Delhi have been advised to allow extra time, particularly if they are heading to railway stations, interstate bus terminals (ISBTs) or the airport. Key intersections and roads identified for traffic regulation include:Connaught Place's Outer Circle and Barakhamba Road T-PointGol Dak Khana roundaboutPatel Chowk roundaboutJai Singh Road-Ashoka Road T-PointRML Hospital roundaboutConnaught Place-Sansad Marg T-PointShankar Road-Vande Mataram T-PointDhaula Kuan FlyoverJhandewalan and Panchkuian roundaboutsMandi House roundaboutMinto Road and Deen Dayal Upadhyay MargGuru Nanak ChowkWindsor Palace roundaboutTolstoy-Janpath crossingLodhi Road FlyoverNeela Gumbad roundaboutSamrat Hotel roundaboutRail Bhawan roundaboutJai Singh Road-Sansad Marg crossingAshoka Road-Jantar Mantar Road roundaboutAdditional restrictions may be imposed at other intersections, including those near Moti Bagh, Bhikaji Cama Place, Sardar Patel Marg and San Martin Marg. Traffic police have advised people to avoid non-essential travel through the affected areas. The diversions may be changed or relaxed based on real-time assessments of the situation. Commuters should check official Delhi Traffic Police updates on its website and social media accounts before starting their journeys. Delhi Metro station closures and internet restrictionsMetro services have also been affected by the security measures. Reports ahead of the demonstration said that 45 Metro stations would remain closed from 9 pm on Friday until Saturday evening. Internet restrictions have also been imposed in parts of central Delhi, including areas around Janpath and Kartavya Path. The restrictions are intended to help authorities manage the law-and-order situation around the proposed demonstration. The closures and traffic restrictions could affect people travelling through central Delhi even if they have no plans to attend the protest. Delhi Police appeals for restraint ahead of demonstrationAmid the heightened security preparations, Delhi Police issued a message on social media emphasising humanity and restraint despite differences of opinion. Because beyond every uniform, every opinion and every disagreement, we're all human first, the police said in a post on X. The message came as political leaders and groups voiced support for the proposed demonstration. Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also urged people to participate, alleging large-scale deletion of voters' names under the BJP-led government at the Centre. The allegations concern electoral processes and remain part of the political dispute surrounding the protest.