India extends CAPF presence in Delhi to end-October amid protest concerns

For the second time, the Ministry of Home Affairs has authorized the continued presence of 273 Central Armed Police Forces companies in the national capital through October 31, citing the risk of flash protests by political and other outfits. The decision, made at the Delhi Police’s request, mirrors a similar extension granted in mid-October. The deployed units comprise 125 CRPF companies (including 20 women units), 20 RAF, 46 BSF, 39 ITBP, 31 SSB and 12 CISF companies, each with a sanctioned strength of 100 but an operational strength of about 70-72 personnel.

These forces were initially dispatched for Cockroach Janta Party demonstrations on October 9 and a subsequent rally on October 16. Authorities stress the deployment is essential to safeguard law and order in the city’s sensitive locations.