New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Security measures have been significantly intensified across the national capital as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest entered its fourth consecutive day, prompting authorities to reinforce barricades, deploy additional police personnel, and continue restrictions around sensitive locations. At the same time, 18 Delhi Metro stations remained closed to passengers as a precautionary measure.
Police officials have strengthened security in several parts of central Delhi, particularly around the Jantar Mantar protest site and other high-security zones. Multiple layers of iron barricades have been installed, with several of them fastened together using heavy chains and welding to prevent demonstrators from removing or shifting them.
Officials said the enhanced arrangements are aimed at maintaining public order over the weekend, when authorities expect larger crowds to gather in support of the ongoing agitation demanding reforms in the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.
Security has also been stepped up through increased surveillance and deployment of police personnel across New Delhi, Central Delhi and North Delhi. Senior officers have instructed district units to remain on high alert while keeping a close watch on individuals with criminal backgrounds who could potentially exploit the protests to create disturbances.
Police sources indicated that officers have been directed to ensure adequate manpower at all vulnerable points and prevent any attempts to march towards restricted government areas.
Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised over the security presence at Medanta Hospital, where activist Sonam Wangchuk is undergoing treatment. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, alleged on social media that police personnel were stationed throughout the hospital, including at the entrance, reception, elevators and outside the intensive care unit.
Questioning the heavy deployment, Angmo said that if the court had clarified Wangchuk was not under detention, the continued police presence required an explanation. She argued that law enforcement agencies should focus on protecting citizens and upholding the law rather than restricting access without clear legal grounds.
The protest, spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party, has continued to draw attention nationwide, with demonstrators demanding accountability over examination-related issues and broader reforms in the country’s public examination system. Authorities, however, have maintained that security arrangements are necessary to prevent any disruption to public order while ensuring the safety of residents and commuters.
