CJP protests: Centre deploys 20 additional CRPF companies from West Bengal to bolster security

Officials said the reinforcements would also support Delhi Police in managing protests and maintaining public order. Pic/AFP

The Centre has ordered the deployment of 20 additional companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the national capital to strengthen security arrangements amid continuing protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demonstrations by political parties and the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, officials said on Wednesday, reported PTI.

The additional deployment comes after recent protests in Delhi witnessed violent clashes between demonstrators and security personnel, prompting the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to enhance security across the city.

20 CRPF companies being airlifted from West Bengal

According to officials, the 20 CRPF companies are being airlifted from Kolkata to Delhi following an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday night, reported PTI.

The personnel are expected to assist the Delhi Police in maintaining law and order during the ongoing protests and heightened political activity in the national capital.

Officials said the deployment was necessitated by multiple incidents of violence during recent demonstrations as well as the need to ensure security during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, reported PTI.

Additional forces to reinforce security arrangements

According to security establishment, each CRPF company comprises around 100 personnel, meaning nearly 2,000 additional paramilitary personnel will be deployed in Delhi, reported PTI.

The fresh deployment is intended to strengthen security at sensitive locations, including protest sites, key government establishments and Parliament, where security has already been intensified.

Officials said the reinforcements would also support Delhi Police in managing protests and maintaining public order.

Personnel were earlier deployed for Bengal Assembly elections

The CRPF companies had earlier been deployed in West Bengal for the Assembly elections held a few months ago, reported PTI.

Following the completion of the election process, the personnel continued to remain in the state after the West Bengal government requested that the forces not be withdrawn immediately.

With the Centre now requiring additional security personnel in Delhi, the companies have been redeployed to the national capital.

Centre had already deployed CRPF and RAF units

Before the latest reinforcement, the Centre had already provided around 30 companies of the CRPF and its specialised anti-riot unit, the Rapid Action Force (RAF), to assist the Delhi Police.

The deployment was made in view of the CJP's ongoing agitation over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 20.

Security has been significantly tightened across central Delhi following violent clashes during the CJP's "Sansad Chalo" march earlier this week, in which Delhi Police reported injuries to more than 118 police personnel. Authorities have since registered multiple FIRs in connection with alleged rioting, vandalism and damage to public property, while investigations into the incidents are continuing.

(With inputs from PTI)