Violent clashes followed, and the massive use of teargas and lathis against the protesters was widely criticised.(Express photo by Gajendra Yadav)Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has asked the intelligence wing of the force to expand its information-gathering efforts, and to collect at least 10 specific pieces of intelligence ahead of every planned protest.Sources said the directive was issued earlier this month after the protests at Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place in July saw a much bigger turnout than anticipated, “exposing gaps” in intelligence-collection.Police were caught flatfooted on July 20, when at least 50,000 young people hit the streets in the heart of Delhi and tried to march on Parliament to press their demand for education reform. Violent clashes followed, and the massive use of teargas and lathis against the protesters was widely criticised.Read | How facial recognition was used for CJP protest: Delhi Police to Supreme CourtA senior officer said the Special Branch of the Delhi Police, which deals with intelligence, usually gathers basic details such as the venue of the protest and the expected turnout. The Commissioner has asked the Special Branch for a more “comprehensive and actionable assessment” of the groups organising the protests going forward, sources said.Read | Keep calm, your angry face is their ‘content’: Delhi Police dos and don’ts post-Jantar MantarSpecifically, the intelligence wing has been directed to collect and analyse the following 10 details: the profile of participants; state-wise participation; modes of mobilisation; names of leaders and key functionaries; agenda or demands of the protesters; places of stay and movement; local contacts and linkages; organisational affiliations; sources of funding; logistical arrangements. Police fire teargas shells at Parliament Street. (Gajendra Yadav)Police sources said the directions are aimed at improving the preparedness of police ahead of protests and public gatherings, particularly those involving participants from outside Delhi or multiple organisations.“The emphasis is on collecting information that can help the force assess the law-and-order implications of such gatherings in advance,” a source said.Story continues below this adA senior officer said field units must provide verified, specific, and usable inputs rather than broad estimates. “The purpose is to understand not just where a protest is happening, but who is behind it, how people are being mobilised, where they are coming from, and whether there are local support structures,” the officer said.The sources said the Commissioner specifically stressed the need to keep the radio communication system fully functional, so it can be used more effectively both during daily policing and major operations. A review of the handling of the protests has identified gaps in communication and coordination, leading to delays in some cases in information from the ground reaching senior officers, they said.“The Commissioner directed that the wireless communication network be checked comprehensively and any deficiencies be rectified immediately,” a source said.Kumar is learnt to have directed that effective use of wireless communication should be encouraged at all levels from the beat net to top officers, and by personnel in traffic, security, PCR, and the districts.Story continues below this ad“All supervisory and operational officers have been asked to remain available on their wireless sets so that information can move quickly and command decisions can be communicated without delay,” the source said.The Indian Express had reported on Sunday that following the criticism of the handling of the protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Delhi Police personnel have received guidelines on dos and don’ts when dealing with new-generation protesters.The intelligence wing has been directed to collect and analyse:Profile of participantsState-wise participationModes of mobilisationNames of leaders and key functionariesAgenda or demands of the protestersPlaces of stay and movementLocal contacts and linkagesOrganisational affiliationsSources of fundingLogistical arrangementsSakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital. Professional Background Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance. Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh). Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India. Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life. Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025) Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability: 1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort: Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025). The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025). Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025). 2. Crime & Police Accountability "Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025). "Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025). Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025). 3. Governance & Public Policy "13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025). Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025). Signature Style Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram