Delhi Police updates intelligence protocols following Jantar Mantar violence

Following violence during a large-scale protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20, the Delhi Police has announced a significant overhaul of its intelligence-gathering protocols. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has directed the Special Branch to move beyond simple crowd estimates and instead compile detailed analysis based on at least 10 specific intelligence points before any major or proposed demonstration.

The decision follows an incident where approximately 30,000 youths gathered to demand education reforms and protest paper leaks, attempting to march toward Parliament. The resulting clashes between police and protesters led to the use of force and subsequent criticism of the police response. A review of the event suggested that the police lacked sufficient and accurate information regarding the number of protesters, their mobilization tactics, and the roles of various organizations.

Under the new mandate, the Special Branch will collect data on several key areas, including: the profile of protesters, the number of participants from different states, mobilization strategies, and the identities of key leaders and organizers. Additionally, police will track the protest agenda, protesters' accommodation and travel logistics, local contact networks, connections between different organizations, potential funding sources, and overall logistical arrangements to better assess potential impacts on law and order.