Delhi Police deploy massive security for upcoming protest march

Delhi Police have initiated massive security measures in New Delhi ahead of a proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march by the Cockroach Janta Party at Connaught Place. The deployment includes over 6,000 police personnel and 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to secure sensitive areas such as Rajiv Chowk, Jantar Mantar, and various Metro stations.

To monitor the gathering, authorities have expanded the CCTV network, including the installation of additional cameras around Central Park and Rajiv Chowk. This surge in surveillance follows scrutiny regarding a Rs 5.66-crore tender for 338 CCTV cameras, which includes facial recognition technology.

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has raised concerns regarding this surveillance tender, noting an overlap between the proposed camera locations and designated protest venues. While the IFF found no direct evidence linking the procurement of the surveillance system to the recent decision to shift protests away from Jantar Mantar, the report highlights potential risks to privacy and the right to protest.