Delhi Police has deployed more than 4,000 personnel, drones and multilayer barricades around Jantar Mantar and other parts of New Delhi, after enforcing restrictions on gatherings and movement in the area until October 21. The security operation has turned key central Delhi roads and access points into controlled zones, affecting public assemblies and movement around the designated protest site.
The restrictions have been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). According to a Delhi Police statement, the order prohibits public meetings or assemblies of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, picketing, dharnas, shouting of slogans and speeches in the vicinity of Jantar Mantar.
The order also prohibits carrying firearms, banners, placards, lathis, swords, sticks, brickbats or similar articles in the restricted area. Police said violations would invite legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant.
Barricades have been placed at several locations from south Delhi to New Delhi. Multiple layers of barricading were reported around Jantar Mantar and along Tolstoy Marg, Janpath Road, Kerala Bhawan, Ashoka Road and Sansad Marg. Police personnel have been deployed at key entry and exit points, while police vehicles are positioned on roads leading towards the site.
The area around Jantar Mantar has been divided into zones, each under the charge of a deputy commissioner of police-rank officer. Drones are being used to monitor the site, and closed-circuit television feeds are being continuously watched. Personnel carrying tear-gas guns have also been stationed at key points, while police teams have been positioned to prevent protesters from gathering beyond the designated area.
Senior police officers remained on the ground to oversee the arrangements. Delhi Police commissioner Anurag Kumar reviewed the security measures at Jantar Mantar with other officers, while the force’s top brass held several meetings in the run-up to Friday to discuss deployment, barricading and enforcement of the restrictions.
“Citizens, visitors and all stakeholders are advised to strictly comply with the order and refrain from any unauthorised gathering or prohibited activity. Violation shall invite legal action under Section 223 of BNS,” the police statement said. The restrictions and the associated security deployment are scheduled to remain in force around Jantar Mantar until October 21.
