NEW DELHI: Delhi was turned into a fortress Friday with police tightening security in and around Jantar Mantar and putting up barricades at several points across the city.Police deployed more than 4,000 personnel in and around New Delhi. Section 163 of BNSS was enforced in the vicinity of Jantar Mantar and cops clamped restrictions on gatherings and movement.The order, which will remain in force until Oct 21, prohibits public meetings or assemblies of five or more persons, processions, demonstrations, picketing or dharnas, shouting of slogans or speeches. It also prohibits carrying of firearms, banners, placards, lathis, swords, sticks, brickbats or similar articles in the restricted area.“Citizens, visitors and all stakeholders are advised to strictly comply with the order and refrain from any unauthorised gathering or prohibited activity. Violation shall invite legal action under Section 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of BNS,” a police statement read.Barricades were put up from south Delhi to New Delhi and other parts of the city. Multiple layers of barricading were seen around the site of the protest, including Tolstoy Marg, Janpath Road, Kerala Bhawan, Ashoka Road and Sansad Marg, with police personnel deployed at key entry and exit points.Drones were used to monitor the site, while areas in and around Jantar Mantar were divided into zones, each under the charge of a DCP-rank officer. Personnel carrying tear-gas guns were deployed at key points. Police teams were also positioned at strategic locations to prevent the gathering of protesters beyond the designated area.Senior police officers remained on the ground to oversee arrangements and monitor the situation. Police commissioner Anurag Kumar also reviewed the security arrangements at Jantar Mantar along with officers.Police vehicles were deployed along roads leading to the site, while CCTV feeds were being continuously monitored.In the run-up to Friday, several meetings had been held by Delhi Police’s top brass to discuss security arrangements and how to handle protesters. Officers reviewed deployment plans, barricading and other measures to ensure that restrictions imposed under Section 163 were properly enforced.
