Delhi Police seeks extension of CAPF deployment till Oct 20 amid protest fears

Delhi Police seeks to extend the deployment of 273 CAPF companies till October 20, citing possible protests by CJP and other organisations

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Tuesday sought an extension of the deployment of 273 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the national capital till October 20, citing the possibility of protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other organisations, news agency PTI reported citing sources.The deployment was scheduled to end on Monday. Police has written to the Union home ministry seeking an extension to maintain law and order and manage potential demonstrations.Police has flagged the possibility of protests at sensitive locations, including Jantar Mantar, the Election Commission, Parliament House and India Gate. Demonstrations by the Bhim Army, student groups and other political organisations are also among the concerns.

301 CAPF companies were approved for deployment in Delhi, 221 on October 6 and another 80 on October 8. Of the additional 80 companies, 28 had not reported to Delhi Police as of Monday, the sources cited by PTI said.The request comes after protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Over the weekend, security was tightened across the capital, 45 metro stations were closed and checks intensified at Delhi's borders. Thousands of protesters, including CJP leaders and former chief ministers, were detained.