Delhi Police launches ‘perception’ campaign, identifies 500 people, 200 social media channels ahead of October 10 protest
Police detain protesters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi on October 7, 2026. | Photo credit: Reuters
The Delhi Police has stepped up its social media campaign ahead of the October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar, with its perception management wing working against what officials describe as a “cyberwar” campaign that the force said portrayed the police in a negative light during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstration in July.
“We are making a concerted effort to show the police side of the story. The effort is being made based on lessons learned from our past experience during the CJP protest in July and efforts are being made to engage with social media platforms,” said an official close to the matter.
Police began investigating the performance of their content on social media and why their version of events during the July protest did not receive similar attention. Another official close to the development said the force is working with Meta, X and other social media platforms to investigate why their content was not boosted by their algorithms.
A series of videos showing personnel allegedly injured during the protests, uniforms and badges being torn, policemen being assisted after a breakdown and instances of protesters allegedly pushing or resisting police personnel were circulated through the official Delhi Police handle on X. The videos also contain statements and assessments of senior police officials on incidents during the demonstrations.
Behind every uniform is a spirit that stands fearlessly and steadfastly. #DPUpdates https://t.co/0NmbvrrtMv
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) October 8, 2026
According to police officials, the July protest generated a large amount of social media content in support of the protesters, with relatively few videos circulating presenting the police account of the events. Police believe the imbalance in online content has helped shape public perception of the protest and put the force on the defensive.
According to a document seen by The Hindu, the Delhi Police has identified at least 500 individuals, including members of the CJP’s core team, supporters and people associated with the organizers – including domestic workers, drivers and other staff – who are likely to join the mobilization for the protest. The police also constantly monitor the social networks and daily activities of these persons.
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Police also identified about 200 WhatsApp and Telegram channels being used to “mobilize people to protest”.
The force is separately monitoring at least 100 individuals who describe themselves as “independent journalists”, along with around 20 channels associated with them, officials said. Police said the exercise was aimed at monitoring online activity around the protest.
The police’s increased online reach marks a shift from their approach during the July protest, when officials said police largely responded to a story that had already gained attention online.
The force has since been trying to increase in volume and reach its own content. Officials said its current strategy involves monitoring material posted online by protesters and others and then releasing police records of the same incidents.
Respect is mutual @LtGovDelhi #DPUpdates #HelloDelhiPolice https://t.co/RFMvXGBBJF
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) October 6, 2026
“We are not releasing CCTV footage or any evidence, but whatever other people share, we are telling our side of the story,” the official said.
The development comes as the Delhi Police prepares for a protest on October 10 and is stepping up surveillance of online networks used for mobilisation. Delhi Police Perception Management and Media Cell was launched in October 2021.
At first sight
500 — People identified by Delhi Police as likely to join CJP protest on October 10
200 – WhatsApp and Telegram channels were identified as being used to mobilize people to protest
100 — Individuals who identify themselves as “independent journalists” are being monitored by the police
20 — Channels linked to such “independent journalists” monitored by the police
Published – 8 Oct 2026 19:39 IST