Delhi steps up security ahead of Cockroach Party rally

Indian authorities have deployed thousands of police personnel in New Delhi and closed Central Park to prevent members of the Cockroach Janata Party from gathering for a flag-hoisting programme announced for Friday.

According to Indian media reports, the party had planned to hoist its flag at Central Park in the capital. The park has been closed to the public on Friday and Saturday on administrative grounds, with authorities barring entry.

The latest security measures follow the arrest of the party's co-founders, Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das, who took a flag to Jantar Mantar on October 12 and were subsequently taken into police custody for remand.

In protest against their arrest, party founder Abhijit Dipke announced a flag-hoisting programme for Thursday, prompting another round of police deployment to prevent a gathering.

Police also visited Dipke's residence in Delhi and informed him that he could not organise a public gathering in the capital. When he questioned whether hoisting a flag was a crime, an officer reportedly said the act itself was not illegal but required permission, adding that a protest without authorisation would be unlawful.

Earlier, on October 10, young people attempting to gather at Jantar Mantar were reportedly prevented from reaching the site amid transport disruptions and heightened restrictions across Delhi.

- MaT