Security was tightened around Connaught Place (CP) in the national capital on Thursday, ahead of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA)’s fresh round of protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after a lunch at a restaurant.
INDIA bloc leaders have announced a lunch at Moets restaurant in Connaught Place before the protest. The Indian Youth Congress has already announced a march from the Rajghat area.
Soon after the announcement, the Delhi Police sent two teams to K block of CP to secure the area and restaurant, officials aware of the details said. The police said security forces have also been sent there with local staff. A senior police officer said it was not immediately clear if the leaders will go to Rajghat or head to Jantar Mantar.
After the lunch, the MPs took three buses in a bid to reach Jantar Mantar but were stopped near Le Meridien hotel. The protest led to clashes between the protesters and the police. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The government has also approved the deployment of additional central paramilitary forces in Delhi.
Delhi Police have deployed around 5,000 personnel and barricaded roads. Police said they have scanned footage from 150 body cameras worn during the protest and found footage of their personnel being targeted. On Wednesday, the INDIA bloc had gathered for a lunch at Sagar Ratna at Janpath. Earlier reporting noted: Security tightened ahead of INDIA bloc protest against Gyanesh Kumar for 3rd day Security has been tightened around Sansad Marg, Ashoka Road, Janpath Road and other parts of central Delhi ahead of the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA)’s protest for a third day on Thursday against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Earlier reporting noted: The Le Meridien roundabout, where protesters gathered on Wednesday, was also being covered as part of the security arrangements. Earlier reporting noted: Officials said police had little time to make arrangements around the roundabout on Wednesday as the protest was largely impromptu. The deployment has now been strengthened in anticipation of a larger gathering on Thursday.
