Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 13: Delhi Police has sought an extension of the deployment of 273 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the national capital until October 20, citing the possibility of protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other organisations, official sources said on Tuesday.
In a letter to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the police requested that the deployment, which was scheduled to end on Monday, be extended to maintain law and order and ensure preparedness to deal with any eventuality.
According to sources, a total of 301 CAPF companies had been approved for deployment in Delhi. Of these, 221 companies were cleared on October 6, followed by another 80 companies on October 8. However, 28 of the additional 80 companies had not reported to the Delhi Police as of Monday.
Police have identified several sensitive locations where demonstrations could take place, including Jantar Mantar, the Election Commission of India, Parliament House and India Gate. Possible protests by the Bhim Army, student organisations and other political groups have also been cited as reasons for seeking an extension of the security deployment.
The request comes amid continuing protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties and other groups have raised concerns over the exercise, which has become a major political flashpoint.
Over the weekend, Delhi witnessed heightened security arrangements, with large numbers of personnel deployed across the capital. Authorities also closed 45 metro stations and intensified checks at the city's border points to manage the anticipated movement of protesters and prevent disruptions.
Thousands of protesters, including CJP leaders and former chief ministers, were detained during the demonstrations, according to the report.
The proposed extension of the CAPF deployment is intended to ensure that adequate security personnel remain available at sensitive locations and to enable the police to respond to any further demonstrations. The final decision on the request rests with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.