Security was tightened across central Delhi on Wednesday as opposition INDIA bloc MPs and supporters gathered for a protest at Jantar Mantar, leading to the sealing of several roads, multi-layer barricading and the detention of some Congress workers, according to a report by Live Hindustan.
Delhi Police, the Rapid Action Force and central security personnel, including the ITBP and CISF, were deployed around Jantar Mantar and adjoining parts of Lutyens’ Delhi. The report said the entire protest area was sealed, with security personnel positioned along routes leading to the designated demonstration site.
Jantar Mantar Road was blocked in both directions using double-layer and welded barricades. Tolstoy Marg was barricaded at entry points leading towards Jantar Mantar, while the route from the Kerala House side was also blocked by Delhi Police and the RAF. Access along Tolstoy Marg between Janpath Metro station and Parliament Street was reported to be completely restricted, including entry to the main protest venue.
The restrictions also affected pedestrians in some sections. Police buses and vehicles were kept on standby, while a large number of buses were stationed at Janpath. Banners announcing the imposition of Section 163 were put up at some locations. The report did not specify the duration of the restrictions or provide details of any public advisory on when normal movement would resume.
The security arrangements followed an earlier mobilisation by opposition MPs. On Tuesday, several MPs were detained during an attempted march to the Election Commission and a sit-in at Akashvani Bhavan, according to the report. Delhi Police also registered first information reports against several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, alleging entry into a restricted area without permission.
Live Hindustan reported that security personnel formed a reinforced cordon to prevent protesters from moving towards the Election Commission. It said clashes began when some protesters tried to cross the barricades. The report described the confrontation as tense and said police and security forces used the metal and welded barriers to prevent further movement.
Detentions were also reported near the Jantar Mantar roundabout after a bus carrying Rahul Gandhi arrived in the area. Police began taking into custody Congress workers who were raising slogans ahead of the bus, the report said. Several police buses had been positioned at the site for this purpose.
The restrictions have placed a key central Delhi protest district and surrounding road network under temporary access controls. The affected routes connect Jantar Mantar with major government and institutional areas, while Janpath Metro station is an important access point for commuters reaching central Delhi. The report did not provide a traffic diversion plan, an estimate of the number of people detained or details of injuries in the reported clashes.
