India

Delhi Police to Suspend Internet in 4‑km Radius Around Janpath‑Kartavya Cross for Protest

By Livemint

Delhi Police Deputy Commissioner Manishi Chandra has written to telecom operators Airtel, Vodafone‑Idea, Jio and MTNL to suspend internet services within a 4‑km radius of Janpath‑Kartavya Path Cross from 10 pm on Friday, 9 October, until 10 pm on Saturday, 10 October. The request was forwarded to the Union Home Secretary, who has considered it. The suspension is intended to precede a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party and other student organisations at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, which will demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the rollback of the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. The Supreme Court has cautioned against restrictions that could disrupt ordinary citizens, noting that the protest restrictions should not impede the rights of commuters and public transport. Authorities have also closed 57 Delhi Metro stations, halted certain long‑distance trains to Delhi, and deployed thousands of police and paramilitary forces for the event. Alcohol shops remain closed on Friday and will stay closed on Saturday. A traders’ organisation in Connaught Place has asked its members to keep shops closed on Saturday to avoid incidents.