Several prominent markets in Delhi remained closed on Saturday, October 10, amid the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, raising concerns over business losses.
Connaught Place, Palika Market, Khan Market, Janpath and Karol Bagh are among the key commercial areas where traders have decided to shut shops or advised establishments to remain closed, citing security concerns and possible disruption.
Khan Market Traders Association president Sanjiv Mehra told ANI businesses face high operating costs even when shops remain closed, with a single day’s closure potentially causing losses of ₹1–1.5 lakh per shop.
“… we decided ourselves to keep it shut. Khan Market is among the first markets affected when protesters are stopped nearby, raising fears of damage to shops and property. Businesses in markets such as Khan Market, Connaught Place and South Extension face high costs, including rent and salaries, even when shops remain closed.”
“A single day’s closure can cause losses of Rs1–1.5 lakh per shop. Perishable goods, such as fruits and groceries, add to the losses. I urge political parties to review their approach and hold peaceful protests away from busy commercial areas.”
Meanwhile, New Delhi Traders Association President Atul Bhargav said Connaught Place market will also remain closed today.
“…The protest-related disruptions have been affecting business for the past four to five days, with demonstrations by INDIA bloc members around Connaught Place causing road closures, traffic jams and inconvenience to the public,” Bhargav told ANI.
“The situation has become more serious today. The Cockroach Janata Party had announced a protest but was not granted permission. Given the possibility of the situation escalating, authorities have advised us to remain closed,” he added.
Delhi Police on Saturday detained around 500 protesters, who were trying to reach Jantar Mantar for the proposed CJP stir against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Sources said the protestors were detained across the New Delhi area, where police are using drones to monitor movement of people attempting to reach the protest site.
The protestors were detained from several places, including near Regal Cinema, Minto Bridge and near Akashwani Bhawan.
Ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest at Jantar Mantar, police sources said over 600 people with criminal records were also detained across all 15 districts of the national capital as part of preventive measures.
The preventive action is aimed at ensuring that people with criminal backgrounds do not create a law-and-order situation during the proposed demonstration, the sources said.
Police are also keeping a close watch on the movements of certain people, who could mobilise crowds or influence others to participate in the proposed protest, the sources said.
Surveillance has been intensified outside the residences of such people as part of the security measures, they added.
