Delhi police deploy 5,000 troops as two anti-CEC marches set for today

Delhi Police have stationed about 5,000 officers, drawing on the Rapid Action Force and other paramilitary units, to guard the city ahead of two protest marches that will travel from India Gate to Jantar Mantar. Both demonstrations target Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with the first, the Citizens’ March, beginning at 3 pm and also raising issues of women’s safety, as announced by the All India Students' Association.

A second rally organized by the Indian Youth Congress is scheduled for 5 pm along the same route. Police noted that neither march received official clearance but anticipate a large turnout, prompting the deployment of PCR vans, CCTV monitoring from the DCP office, and possible drone surveillance. Anti-riot equipment has been issued to officers, and the Ministry of Home Affairs has been informed of the security plan. The AISA has alleged that police previously manhandled, assaulted and groped female students and journalists, prompting a crime-branch probe into those complaints.