On Tuesday, Additional Deputy Commissioner Manjeet Sheoran posted a video on X, warning journalists that several had been detained after crossing into police zones during the October 10 protest. Sheoran explained that some participants masquerade as reporters, interfere with officers, and then face arrest. The Delhi Police have repeatedly urged media crews to keep a safe distance.
Earlier this week, the force released detailed guidelines for press covering the rally. The instructions, posted on X, require journalists to carry valid ID cards, avoid obstructing officers, and maintain a reasonable distance while recording. Verma, Joint Commissioner for the Central Range, added that the police will use ‘discipline, dignity and minimum force’ to manage crowds.
In a separate post, the police shared an open letter on a postcard, reminding citizens that lawmen also have families. The message read, ‘Your voice is your right, and our duty is your safety. Behind every uniform is a person with loved ones.’ The gesture underscored the human side of the force amid heightened tension.
The advisory comes as the Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed 23,000 Central Armed Police Forces personnel to Delhi. These troops will support the municipal police from Oct. 8 to Oct. 12 to manage the protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party. The scale of deployment reflects the anticipated scale of the demonstration.
Police units will enforce the new guidelines at the protest site, with officers on standby to intervene if journalists encroach. Officials say any violations will lead to immediate detainment, and the CAPF teams will be ready to step in if crowd control falters. The next day, the protest is set to kick off at 10 a.m. in central Delhi.