Ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) September 5 protest march in Delhi, the Delhi Police is stepping up intelligence gathering to prepare for the expected crowd and ensure better law-and-order management. The CJP has called the march to press the Centre to fulfil its pending demands related to the NEET-UG paper leak protests.
Sources said Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has directed the intelligence wing to collect detailed and verified information about major or proposed protests. This includes the number and profile of participants, their previous involvement in demonstrations, where they are coming from and how they are being mobilised.
Police to track organisers and logistics
The intelligence exercise will also focus on protest leaders and key functionaries, their demands and organisational affiliations. Police will gather information about where participants are staying in Delhi, their local contacts and links with other groups.
Officials will also assess funding sources and logistical arrangements, including transport, accommodation and other support for protesters.
Police units have been asked to provide specific and actionable information rather than broad estimates. The aim is to understand who is organising a protest, how participants are being mobilised and what arrangements are being made for the gathering.
Wireless system to be reviewed
The move follows a review of arrangements after a large gathering at Jantar Mantar on July 20. Police found that advance information about the expected crowd size, mobilisation patterns and participation of different groups needed to be more comprehensive and verified.
A senior officer has also directed that the police wireless communication system be thoroughly checked so that information can be quickly shared between personnel on the ground and senior officers.
Sources said the exercise is not intended to stop peaceful protests. Instead, it aims to improve police preparedness, maintain law and order and ensure the safety of protesters and the general public.
