A large-scale security operation took place across New Delhi on Saturday, October 10, as police and paramilitary forces blocked access to Jantar Mantar, the city's designated protest site. Following the implementation of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), central Delhi was placed under heavy restrictions, with authorities closing metro stations, educational institutions, and local markets to maintain order.
Despite the heavy deployment, numerous youth organisations and individual protesters attempted to gather throughout the day. When blocked by security forces, groups pivoted to alternative locations including the Safdarjung flyover, Dilli Haat, and Raj Ghat. Demonstrators, including members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India (RWPI), and the Naujawan Bharat Sabha, reported that police used batons and excessive force during the detentions. Some protesters alleged they were manhandled by officers, including those in civilian clothes, while others were taken to makeshift detention centres on the city's outskirts, such as the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Bawana.
At the detention sites, protesters continued their demonstrations by singing songs and holding public lectures. At Nangloi, Rajya Sabha member A.A. Rahim declared the launch of a movement termed 'Jantar Mantar 2.0' and commenced a hunger strike, citing concerns over police conduct toward students. Police officials stated that several officers also sustained injuries during the process of managing the crowds.
The authorities remained firm in their enforcement, with announcements broadcast via loudspeakers reminding citizens to comply with legal directions. Among those detained throughout the day were students, UPSC aspirants, and local residents. While some groups were released later, others remained in custody until late Saturday night as police maintained a strong presence across the capital to prevent large gatherings.
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