New Delhi. More than 20 Delhi Police personnel reached the Delhi residence of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke on Friday. According to police officials, this action was taken to give them a formal notice not to hold the proposed protest at Connaught Place. In fact, Abhijit Dipke had announced to take out ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march in the Central Park of Connaught Place at 5 pm on Friday, after which the administrative staff has become fully prepared.
More than 6,000 security personnel deployed in New Delhi area
Strict arrangements have been made to keep the law and order situation completely under control in the national capital during the proposed march. More than 6,000 Delhi Police personnel as well as 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), each company comprising about 100 personnel, have been deployed in the New Delhi area.
The police administration has clearly refused to give permission for this march, citing the prohibitory order imposed under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS). Under the ambit of these restrictions, there is a complete ban on mass gathering of people in Connaught Place and its surrounding areas.
Alternative location proposed and park closed by NDMC
Taking charge of the situation, the police have proposed to make arrangements for a limited and fixed group of protesters to hoist the national flag at some other alternative place. On the other hand, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to keep the Central Park closed for the general public on Friday and Saturday citing administrative and security reasons. Due to such precautionary measures, the entire area has been converted into a police camp to deal with any untoward situation.
Abhijeet Dipke’s serious allegations and claims of police surveillance
Amidst this entire incident, Abhijeet Dipke has raised many serious questions and allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the government. He has alleged that the government is protecting Gyanesh Kumar. Dipke claims that he presided over a faulty SIR of voter lists and the process of deletion of names of about 13 crore voters, which is about 14 per cent of the total voters.
He argued that the margin of victory and defeat in the 2024 general elections was only two percent, hence questions were bound to be raised over the deletion of more than 13 crore votes. He also claimed on the social media platform ‘X’ that he is being continuously followed by the police and administration and his place of stay has been surrounded by undercover policemen.
Opposition from business organizations and petition in the Supreme Court
A petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court against this demonstration to be organized in Connaught Place. Petitioners’ lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai informed that this petition has been filed jointly by New Delhi Grocery Committee and other major trade organizations.
Organizations argue that such demonstrations can disrupt life on a large scale in busy areas of Central Delhi. During this festive season, common citizens coming for shopping may have to face a lot of trouble, due to which local traders may also have to suffer huge financial losses. Considering the seriousness of this matter, the Supreme Court considered it necessary and fixed October 26 for the hearing.
