NEW DELHI: Images from Monday’s CJP protest have triggered debate after several men in civilian clothing were seen assisting police with crowd control while wearing protective helmets and carrying lathis. The visuals raised questions over the identity of these individuals and why they were operating without police uniforms or visible name tags.
Some of the personnel were subsequently identified on social media, with users sharing alleged personal information, including addresses, phone numbers and Instagram profiles. In several instances, however, the identifications were inaccurate.
A cropped video of one officer, identified online as Honey Dagar, gained traction on X and Instagram, prompting discussions over the deployment of plainclothes police during public protests.
Serving and retired senior police officers said the use of officers in civilian attire is a long-standing operational practice, particularly for personnel attached to specialised intelligence and detection units.
“These officers are required to operate discreetly as part of their professional responsibilities. They often dress casually and may even alter their appearance because their work includes undercover assignments, intelligence gathering and infiltration of criminal networks,” a senior police officer said.
According to officials, when district police teams are mobilised to manage large gatherings, officers from specialised units may also be deployed to assist with law and order duties. “The decision is generally driven by operational requirements, especially during large-scale protests, rather than any deliberate attempt to conceal identities,” another senior officer said.
Retired police officials also noted that officers from different units are routinely called upon during situations requiring extensive manpower.
“Maintaining law and order is the immediate priority, and all available personnel contribute. If any misconduct is established, departmental action is taken regardless of whether the officer was in uniform or plain clothes,” a retired senior officer said.
While there is no legal prohibition on deploying plainclothes personnel during protests, several senior officers acknowledged that their presence can create confusion in already tense situations. At the same time, they argued that such deployments are often necessary to detect anti-social elements who may attempt to infiltrate demonstrations and incite violence.
Officials explained that personnel from intelligence and special branch units are tasked with blending into crowds to gather information and monitor potential troublemakers, while key protest locations are typically secured by uniformed police.
Amid the criticism, police headquarters has reportedly advised Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and other senior officers to minimise the use of plainclothes personnel during the ongoing protests, except in cases of violence or where manpower shortages make such deployment necessary.
