Home secretary alerts state police chiefs over CJP's planned march to Delhi

Union home secretary Govind Mohan has written to police chiefs across the country, seeking intelligence sharing and coordination with Delhi Police ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) planned protest march in the national capital on October 10.

In his letter, dated Friday, Mohan said the CJP had been categorically denied permission to hold the demonstration. However, he cited credible intelligence inputs suggesting that the outfit and its supporting parties intended to defy the prohibition and attempt to enter Delhi from various states and Union territories, potentially disturbing public peace and order.

The letter, seen by Hindustan Times, called for coordination among law enforcement agencies to address the anticipated movement of protesters towards the capital.

Mohan also referred to what he described as a documented history of non-compliance with lawful directions by the CJP and its supporting parties, organisations and individuals during previous events. According to the home secretary, such incidents had resulted in significant damage to public property and disturbances to law and order in Delhi.

The communication comes amid heightened security arrangements across the national capital ahead of the demonstration called by the Abhijeet Dipke-led outfit.

Delhi Police cites previous protest and notice period

Delhi Police joint commissioner Nupur Prasad said on Friday that the CJP had been denied permission because it had allegedly violated the conditions imposed during an earlier protest for which authorisation had been granted around two months ago.

Prasad said the police decision was based on the outfit's alleged failure to comply with the rules during that previous demonstration.

She also pointed to the short notice given for the October 10 protest. According to the joint commissioner, the CJP had sought permission only a few days before the planned gathering, despite rules requiring organisers to inform the police at least 10 days in advance.

The advance-notice requirement is intended to give the police sufficient time to make security and logistical arrangements for public gatherings.

The denial of permission and the subsequent call for nationwide intelligence coordination reflect the authorities' concerns about the potential movement of protesters into Delhi and the possibility of disruptions.

Security arrangements tightened ahead of October 10

The home secretary's letter comes as Delhi Police prepares for the CJP's proposed demonstration over alleged electoral roll irregularities and its demands concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Authorities have stepped up security around the proposed protest venue and other parts of central Delhi, with restrictions imposed on movement and access to key locations.

By asking police chiefs across states and Union territories to share intelligence and coordinate with Delhi Police, the Union home secretary has sought to ensure that law enforcement agencies remain alert to possible attempts by protesters to enter the capital despite the denial of permission.

The CJP, led by Abhijeet Dipke, had announced the march despite the police decision. The authorities have maintained that the restrictions are necessary to prevent a breach of public order, citing the outfit's alleged conduct during previous demonstrations and the limited notice provided for the latest event.