CJP protest: Delhi Police fortify barricades with chains, security stepped up across capital

Security has been stepped up across the national capital ahead of the weekend, with Delhi Police installing multiple layers of barricades reinforced with heavy-duty chains at key locations to prevent protesters from breaching security cordons.

The heightened measures come amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation demanding reforms in the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. Police expect the protests to swell over the weekend.

According to officials, additional rows of iron barricades have been erected at sensitive locations, particularly around the Jantar Mantar protest site and other strategic points in New Delhi.

“Extra layers of barricading have been put in place at vulnerable locations. The barricades have been chained together and welded so they cannot be removed or shifted easily. Additional police personnel have also been deployed to maintain law and order,” a police officer said.

Security has also been strengthened through increased surveillance. Heavy deployment has been planned across New Delhi, Central Delhi and North Delhi, where authorities anticipate large gatherings and possible attempts to march towards restricted areas.

Senior officers have instructed district police units to remain on high alert and maintain updated records of history-sheeters and other individuals with criminal backgrounds who could exploit the protests to trigger law-and-order issues.

According to police sources, facial recognition systems installed around the protest venue have identified more than 2,500 individuals with criminal records entering the area over the past few days.

Officials said the technology is being used to alert field personnel in real time so that such individuals can be discreetly monitored and, where necessary, verified.

As part of the broader security plan, Delhi Police has also intensified anti-sabotage checks, vehicle inspections and patrolling at sensitive locations.

Authorities said the elaborate arrangements are intended to facilitate peaceful demonstrations while preventing any untoward incidents or security breaches during the anticipated weekend rush.