Delhi is bracing for major travel restrictions on Saturday, October 10, ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and other groups, demanding the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, anticipated to draw a huge turnout.
A police officer present near Jantar Mantar denied entry to HT correspondent on Friday. The police communication also proposes reducing train frequency at the identified stations, citing concerns over crowd movement towards sensitive locations. Stations on the list include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Patel Chowk, Janpath, Mandi House, ITO, Supreme Court, Kashmere Gate, Hauz Khas and Lajpat Nagar. Apart from the above restrictions, the Delhi Police has also already restricted entry to Jantar Mantar with access to the protest site being denied to even media persons. The route has been barricaded from Ashoka Road-Jantar Mantar roundabout. Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed CJP protest. Security has been stepped up at several Delhi borders, while police teams have contacted market welfare associations, resident welfare associations and other community groups ahead of the demonstration.
Train cancellations, proposed restrictions at 57 Metro stations, the closure of retail liquor outlets and heightened police security have raised concerns over movement across the national capital. Track Jantar Mantar protest updates here Delhi Police has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to consider closing entry and exit gates at 57 Metro stations from 9pm on Friday, with the proposed restrictions continuing through Saturday until the situation normalises. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in force in the New Delhi district, and police have warned against unauthorised gatherings. Police have also prepared a security and containment plan involving 37 blocking points and 15 designated detention centres.
