Delhi tightens security ahead of CEC protest as 20,000 cops deploy and liquor shops shut
More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across Delhi ahead of the CJP protest, a senior officer said on Thursday. In view of the protest calls, preparations are being made to prevent any unprecedented law and order situation similar to what was witnessed during the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20, Delhi Police sources said. Several police personnel and CJP protesters were injured, public property was damaged and government buildings were defaced during the July 20 protest.
The Excise Department order said the closure of liquor vends was based on inputs received from Delhi Police and aimed at maintaining “public order”. “In view of the prevailing situation and inputs received from Delhi Police, as a preventive measure aimed at maintaining public order, it is hereby ordered that all retail liquor vends with licences in Form L6, L6& L6FG, L8, L10 and L8 & L14 operating in Delhi will be completely closed on October 9 and October 10,” the order said. “The Delhi government was requested for closure of liquor shops as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident,” a police source said. The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police has registered an FIR, reopening the investigation into the violence and “larger conspiracy” related to the CJP protest in the national capital on July 20.