Shah also reviewed women's safety, drug trafficking and criminal networks allegedly run by gangsters abroad, sources said.

New Delhi:Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday reviewed the Delhi Police's handling of recent protests and preparedness for upcoming demonstrations, with the focus on managing large gatherings without escalation amid scrutiny of the force's alleged use of excessive force.

At a meeting lasting over three hours at the Delhi Police headquarters, Shah also reviewed women's safety, drug trafficking and criminal networks allegedly run by gangsters abroad, sources said. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union home secretary Govind Mohan attended. The review comes ahead of a proposed I.N.D.I.A. bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Opposition parties and student groups have been protesting alleged irregularities in the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

Sources said the meeting examined the sequence of events during recent protests, the police response and protocols to prevent confrontations. Strengthening intelligence gathering and engagement with the public were among the priorities.

The Delhi Police has faced allegations of excessive force during the Cockroach Janata Party's "Sansad Chalo" march in July and its October 10 march at Jantar Mantar.

Sources said the review also covered alleged assaults on police personnel, damage to public property and attempts to breach barricades, along with measures to prevent similar incidents during future gatherings.

Traders' concerns over repeated protests and restrictions affecting business during the festive season also figured in the discussions.

On women's safety, the meeting examined preventive policing in vulnerable areas and measures to expedite investigations. Officers briefed Mr Shah on action against drug trafficking and efforts to dismantle supply networks in the Capital.

The review also covered gangsters operating from abroad who allegedly direct extortion and targeted shootings in Delhi and the National Capital Region through local associates. Action against their networks, including alleged shooters and arms suppliers, was discussed, sources said.

Traffic management was another focus, with discussions on using artificial intelligence to ease congestion and removing encroachments at key locations.

Police commissioner Anurag Kumar, special and joint commissioners, district deputy commissioners and senior officers of the Special Cell and Crime Branch attended the meeting. The force had prepared a presentation on its performance over the past five years, covering cases, arrests, investigations and enforcement measures, sources said.

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