New Delhi – The Delhi CM Public Hearings are set to resume on Wednesday with unprecedented security arrangements after Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta faced a violent attack during her previous Jan Sunwai session at her camp office in Civil Lines on August 20. The incident prompted an immediate and comprehensive review of security protocols, leading to significant upgrades in protective measures for future public interactions.
Police officials have confirmed that the Delhi CM Public Hearings will now feature enhanced security infrastructure designed to prevent similar incidents while maintaining the accessibility that makes these sessions valuable for citizens seeking direct engagement with their chief minister. The attack had raised serious questions about existing security lapses and necessitated a complete overhaul of protective arrangements.
Advanced Facial Recognition Technology Deployment
A revolutionary aspect of the enhanced security for Delhi CM Public Hearings involves the deployment of a specialized van equipped with facial recognition systems that will scan all individuals entering the venue. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia confirmed that this advanced technology represents a significant upgrade in screening capabilities for public events.
The facial recognition system deployment for Delhi CM Public Hearings demonstrates the Delhi Police’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced public safety. This system will enable real-time identification of potential security threats and provide comprehensive monitoring of attendees throughout the event duration.
Senior police officials will maintain a visible presence on the ground during the Delhi CM Public Hearings, ensuring rapid response capabilities and coordinated security management. This multi-layered approach combines technological solutions with traditional security measures to create a robust protective framework.
Strategic Deployment of Plain Clothes Women Officers
The security enhancement for Delhi CM Public Hearings includes a significant increase in the number of women officers operating in plain clothes throughout the venue. This strategic deployment serves multiple purposes, including crowd monitoring, threat detection, and maintaining the approachable atmosphere that characterizes these public interaction sessions.
Police officials emphasized that the plain clothes deployment for Delhi CM Public Hearings represents a carefully planned security strategy that balances protection requirements with the need to maintain an welcoming environment for citizens seeking to engage with their chief minister. These officers will be strategically positioned throughout the venue to ensure comprehensive coverage.
The inclusion of more women officers in security arrangements reflects recognition of the unique dynamics present during public interactions and the importance of maintaining gender-sensitive security protocols during these community engagement sessions.
Comprehensive Personal Security Team Restructuring
Following the August attack, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta‘s personal security arrangements underwent significant restructuring that will impact all future Delhi CM Public Hearings. The previously all-woman personal security officer team has been expanded to include male guards, creating a more balanced and comprehensive protection detail.
Police officials confirmed that the enhanced security team for Delhi CM Public Hearings now includes six armed guards alongside other personal security officers. This mixed-gender approach ensures optimal security coverage while maintaining the chief minister’s preference for women officers in close protection roles.
The restructured security arrangements include both mobile and static guard deployments, providing layered protection during public interactions. Inner security details will now include male personal security officers positioned strategically to complement the existing female security personnel.
Expanded Z Plus Security Classification
Chief Minister Gupta’s security classification was upgraded to Z Plus status, involving more than 55 security personnel dedicated to her protection during all activities, including Delhi CM Public Hearings. This represents a significant increase from the initial Z security arrangement that included over 22 personnel, commandos, and static guards.
The Z Plus security arrangements for Delhi CM Public Hearings ensure comprehensive protection through multiple security layers operating simultaneously. These arrangements provide continuous protection across all venues and time periods, reflecting the elevated threat assessment following the August incident.
The current security team has been organized into specialized layers, each with specific responsibilities during public events and routine activities. This systematic approach ensures seamless coordination and response capabilities during high-risk public interactions.
Commitment to Continued Public Engagement
Despite the security challenges, Chief Minister Gupta has reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining regular public interactions through expanded Delhi CM Public Hearings. She announced plans to hold these sessions not only at her residence but in every assembly constituency across Delhi, demonstrating her dedication to accessible governance.
“I can never stop fighting for the interests of Delhi’s people. Every moment of my life and every fibre of my being is dedicated to Delhi. Despite all these unexpected blows, I will never abandon Delhi,” Gupta stated following the attack, emphasizing her resolve to continue public engagement.
Legal Proceedings Against Attackers
Delhi Police arrested Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai Sakriya, aged 41, along with his associate Md Tehseen in connection with the August 20 attack that disrupted the previous Jan Sunwai session. Both individuals, originally from Rajkot, Gujarat, have been charged with attempted murder and criminal conspiracy.
The attackers were reportedly motivated by disagreement with a Supreme Court order regarding street dogs, highlighting the diverse range of issues that can trigger extreme responses during public political engagement. This incident underscores the importance of enhanced security measures for future public interactions.
CRPF Involvement and Withdrawal
Following the attack, the central government initially assigned Chief Minister Gupta’s security responsibilities to the Central Reserve Police Force. However, this arrangement was withdrawn within two days, with security responsibilities returning to Delhi Police with enhanced protocols and expanded personnel allocation.
The brief CRPF involvement demonstrated the serious nature of the security concerns while the quick transition back to Delhi Police control ensured continuity in local security arrangements and familiarity with the chief minister’s routine and requirements.
