Security was intensified around Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday after left-wing organisations called for a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, disrupting movement across several central Delhi roads and affecting commuters. More than 3,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed around the protest site, according to a report by Jagran – New Delhi.
The security arrangements were described as similar to those put in place during a protest in July. Multiple layers of barricading were installed to prevent demonstrators from moving beyond the designated protest area. Police personnel were positioned at several points, including near Patel Chowk Metro station, where people travelling towards Jantar Mantar were stopped and checked.
Vehicles used for riot control and tear gas deployment were stationed near Parliament Street police station. The police also increased surveillance in the area and conducted vehicle checks at barricaded points as part of preparations to manage the expected crowd and prevent a law-and-order situation.
The restrictions had a direct effect on mobility in central Delhi. Ashoka Road, Parliament Street and Janpath Road were among the routes affected, while traffic movement was reported to be slow on several major roads around Connaught Place. The road closures and diversions created difficulties for motorists and other commuters travelling through the central business and administrative district.
Mobile internet services were also ordered to remain suspended within an approximately 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar from 9 am to 9 pm. Police said the measure was intended to prevent crowds from gathering near the protest site and to maintain law and order. The restriction adds a communications shutdown to the physical access controls already affecting the area.
The protest call followed an earlier attempt to demonstrate over the demand for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation. Jagran reported that the latest security deployment came two days after another attempt to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar. A related report cited by the publication said 150 people had been detained during the previous day’s attempt, although the supplied report did not provide a separate official confirmation of that figure.
The heightened deployment places a substantial section of central Delhi under temporary movement controls, affecting the roads and public transport access points surrounding one of the city’s principal demonstration venues. The current arrangements are scheduled to remain in force through the day, with mobile internet restrictions continuing until 9 pm, according to the report.
