Alarming allegations of Bajrang Dal and VHP supporters mobilising towards Jantar Mantar, coupled with video messages threatening to attack protesters ahead of the October 10 demonstration, have raised a disturbing question: Is this true? What is happening on ground?
October 9, 2026: From police detentions and clashes on Delhi’s streets to disturbing videos threatening confrontation at Jantar Mantar, the run-up to the October 10 protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has taken a worrying turn.
Opposition protests in the capital have already seen repeated detentions, while reports of alleged scuffles involving police personnel have prompted scrutiny of video footage. The videos circulating about alleged threats against protesters ahead of the October 10 Jantar Mantar demonstration have been found to be old following a fact-check.
Bajrang Dal denies plans to mobilise: On October 8, the Bajrang Dal rejected claims that its volunteers would gather at Jantar Mantar. The allegation that right-wing groups were being mobilised came from CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka, who said he had received information about a possible effort to target protesters.
The July 20 protest ended in serious clashes: During an earlier CJP-led march towards Parliament, police used tear gas and baton charges after protesters attempted to breach barricades. Police said protesters had resorted to stone-pelting; videos circulated alleging excessive force against demonstrators. More than 118 police personnel and approximately 60 protesters were reported injured. On October 8, the Delhi Police Crime Branch registered an FIR to investigate the violence, and the Supreme Court announced a committee to examine allegations of excessive force.
Delhi Police is preparing a major security operation: Police have reportedly identified 2,873 people with criminal antecedents among those flagged through facial-recognition checks during the July protest. Authorities are tracking travel towards Delhi, monitoring buses and increasing security around central Delhi. The Indian Express reported on October 9 that approximately 23,000 central-force personnel had been made available to assist Delhi Police between October 8 and 12.
CJP alleges intimidation of its organisers: CJP leaders alleged that organiser Deepak Baliyan had been detained and assaulted by Rajasthan Police ahead of the protes in Jantar Mantar. with his brother also injured. Rajasthan Police denied detaining him, and the Alwar superintendent of police rejected the allegations. These claims remain disputed.
At this point, there is no verified police statement confirming that an FIR has been filed specifically over those virulent videos floating around threatening the protesters of October 10th in Jantar Mantar. The urgent question is whether the authorities will identify and act against those making threats before political confrontation spills over into violence
The police response deserves scrutiny. Delhi Police has stated that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita is in force and that gatherings are prohibited. It has also registered cases arising from alleged assaults on police personnel during recent demonstrations in Jantar Mantar .
That makes an important distinction necessary: enforcing restrictions on a protest and investigating threats against protesters are separate responsibilities. A comprehensive law-and-order response should address credible threats from any side, establish the authenticity of evidence and take proportionate action where offences are made out. Jantar Mantar should be a safe zone for peaceful protestors.
JANPATH NEWS NETWORK (JNN)
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