Centre Extends Deployment of 273 CAPF Companies in Delhi Till October 31 Amid Flash Protest Fears

The Union Home Ministry has extended for the second time the deployment of 273 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies in the national capital till October 31 in view of the possibility of "flash protests" by political and other groups, official sources said on Friday. The extension ensures that roughly 27,000 central paramilitary personnel remain on ground across Delhi to assist local law enforcement in maintaining peace and order.

The decision comes following fresh security assessments and inputs from the Delhi Police warning of potential spontaneous demonstrations, road blockades, and unauthorized gatherings across key government installations. The paramilitary deployment includes personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Raihan Vadra’s Protest Photos Removed From Delhi Exhibition, What Happened at Bikaner House?

Second Extension Granted Following Police Assessment

The Centre had initially cleared large-scale CAPF reinforcements earlier this month to handle intelligence inputs regarding large-scale demonstrations. Out of an initially approved pool of 301 companies, Delhi Police had requested a retention of 273 companies, which was first extended up to October 20.

With threat assessments continuing to flag the potential for sudden mobilizations, the Ministry of Home Affairs approved the latest extension to keep the central units stationed in the city through the end of the month. Authorities noted that a gradual withdrawal will only be considered after a comprehensive review of the prevailing law and order environment post-festive season.

Heightened Vigil at High-Security Zones and Border Points

Under the operational security grid, the deployed CAPF companies have been integrated with Delhi Police district units to guard sensitive administrative and diplomatic areas. Security personnel have intensified surveillance and picket checks around Parliament House, the Election Commission of India, Jantar Mantar, and India Gate.

Checkpoints at major interstate border entry points—including Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur—continue to see heightened scrutiny to monitor vehicular movement and prevent unsanctioned convoys from entering the capital. Additional anti-riot units and water cannon vehicles have also been stationed at key transit intersections and central metro stations.

Preparedness Against Unannounced Demonstrations

Intelligence agencies and police authorities highlighted the ongoing risk of unannounced "flash protests" organized through social media channels by student outfits, political organizations, and activist groups.

By maintaining the extended strength of 273 companies, the administration aims to ensure rapid containment capabilities and prevent disruption to daily commuter traffic and public infrastructure across the national capital territory.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2026 02:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).