NEW DELHI — In a press briefing at Police Headquarters Wednesday morning, Commissioner of Police Sanjay Arora struck a calibrated tone: Delhi Police has "no plans for a large-scale crackdown" on the thousands of students camping at Jantar Mantar for the third consecutive day, but the security architecture around the protest site has been dramatically hardened.

The announcement comes amid mounting pressure from student leaders and opposition parties who have accused police of excessive force during Tuesday's clashes that left 12 police personnel and at least 8 students injured. A viral video showing a sub-inspector slapping a woman protester has further inflamed tensions.

"Let me be clear: Delhi Police respects the democratic right to peaceful protest. We have no intention, no plan, and no orders for any large-scale eviction or crackdown. However, we also have a duty to maintain law and order, protect public property, and ensure the safety of all citizens — including the protesters themselves. The enhanced security measures are preventive, not punitive." — Sanjay Arora, Commissioner of Police, Delhi

What "Significantly Tightened" Security Looks Like

The security cordon around Jantar Mantar has been transformed into a multi-layered perimeter that stretches approximately 1.5 km in radius. Here's the breakdown:

🧱 Layer 1: Inner Cordon (0-200m)

  • Double-row barricades with concertina wire
  • Rapid Action Force (RAF) companies deployed
  • Water cannons positioned at 4 entry points
  • Videography teams recording all activity

🛡️ Layer 2: Middle Cordon (200-500m)

  • CRPF and BSF companies in reserve
  • Mobile riot control vehicles stationed
  • Drone surveillance (4 UAVs, 12-hour rotation)
  • Tear gas launchers mounted on vehicles

🚁 Layer 3: Outer Cordon (500m-1.5km)

  • Delhi Police armed battalions
  • Traffic diversion points at 12 intersections
  • CCTV feed integration with Police Control Room
  • Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) on 5-min standby

📊 Command & Control

  • Joint CP (New Delhi) as Ground Commander
  • Real-time feed to CP Office, MHA Control Room
  • Liaison officers from RAF, CRPF, BSF
  • Legal cell on-site for arrest memo compliance

Force Deployment Numbers

According to police sources, the current deployment around Jantar Mantar and connected protest zones includes:

  • Rapid Action Force: 6 companies (~600 personnel)
  • Central Reserve Police Force: 4 companies (~400 personnel)
  • Border Security Force: 2 companies (~200 personnel)
  • Delhi Police Armed Battalions: 8 companies (~800 personnel)
  • Delhi Police District Staff: ~1,200 personnel (New Delhi, Central, North districts)
  • Traffic Police: ~400 personnel for diversions
  • Total estimated strength: 3,600+ personnel

This is the largest protest-site deployment in Delhi since the farmers' protest at Singhu/Tikri borders (2020-21), though concentrated in a much smaller geographic area.

The Slapping Incident & Accountability

The press briefing was dominated by questions about the viral video showing Sub-Inspector Rajesh Kumar (posted at Parliament Street police station) slapping a woman student during Tuesday's clashes. The Commissioner confirmed:

  • The officer has been immediately removed from field duty and attached to New Delhi District Lines
  • A departmental inquiry has been ordered under DCP (New Delhi), to be completed within 7 days
  • The inquiry will examine: provocation, proportionality of force, violation of Delhi Police Standing Order 303 (use of force guidelines)
  • If found guilty, the officer faces penalties ranging from censure to dismissal under the Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1966
  • The woman protester has been offered medical examination and legal aid; her statement recorded
"One officer's misconduct does not define the force. But neither does it excuse it. The inquiry will be fair, time-bound, and transparent. We have also sensitized all deployed personnel on conduct rules — any further violations will attract immediate suspension." — Sanjay Arora, Commissioner of Police, Delhi

Injured Personnel & Medical Status

The Commissioner visited Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital Tuesday evening where 12 injured police personnel are admitted. Two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) sustained head injuries and are under neurosurgical observation. The remaining 10 have fractures, lacerations, and blunt trauma injuries. All are reported stable.

"We acknowledge the injuries to our personnel. They were performing their duty under difficult circumstances. But we also acknowledge injuries to protesters. Both sides have suffered. The path forward is de-escalation, not escalation," the Commissioner said.

Legal Framework: Section 144 & Beyond

Section 144 CrPC (now Section 163 BNSS) remains in force in New Delhi district since Monday. The Commissioner clarified:

📜 Current Legal Orders in Force

Section 163 BNSS (ex-144 CrPC): Prohibits assembly of 5+ persons, carrying weapons, blocking roads in New Delhi district. In force until July 31, extendable.

Delhi Police Act, Section 30: Commissioner's special powers for crowd control, barricading, route diversion.

Telecom Suspension Rules, 2017: Mobile internet suspension order issued by Home Secretary, Delhi Govt, under Rule 4(2).

No curfew imposed: Movement of individuals not restricted; only unlawful assemblies prohibited.

Protesters' Response

Student leaders have welcomed the "no crackdown" assurance but remain skeptical. DUSU President Arjun Singh said: "Words are easy. The barricades, the RAF, the water cannons — they're all still there. The slapping officer got 'attached to district lines,' not suspended. We'll believe de-escalation when we see barricades removed and internet restored."

AISA National President Kawalpreet Kaur added: "The Commissioner says 'preventive, not punitive.' But preventing peaceful protest is itself punitive. We have a constitutional right under Article 19(1)(a) and (b). The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that protest is not a 'law and order problem' — it's democracy at work."

What Happens Next

Police sources indicate a calibrated strategy:

  1. Days 1-2: Maintain current deployment, prevent expansion of protest footprint
  2. Day 3 (Today): Offer designated protest zone with facilities (water, toilets, medical) — if accepted, begin gradual de-escalation
  3. Day 4-5: If protest continues, seek court direction for time-bound relocation to designated site (Ramleela Maidan or Burari)
  4. Parallel track: Facilitate dialogue between student representatives and Education Ministry officials (meeting proposed for Friday)

The Commissioner confirmed that a meeting between student representatives and Joint Secretary (Higher Education), Ministry of Education, is being facilitated for Friday at 11 AM at Shastri Bhawan.

Citizen Advisory

Delhi Police has issued the following advisory for residents and commuters:

  • Avoid Sansad Marg, Tolstoy Marg, Rafi Marg, Janpath, and Connaught Place inner circle
  • Use alternate routes: Mandi House → Barakhamba Road → Kasturba Gandhi Marg for north-south movement
  • Metro: Expect closures at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Udyog Bhawan, Lok Kalyan Marg
  • Carry valid ID; cooperate with security checks at barricades
  • Report rumours/misinformation to Delhi Police Cyber Cell: cybercell@delhipolice.gov.in