New Delhi

Security forces used tear gas shells near Shastri Bhawan here as several protesters attempted to push through security barricades in a bid to reach Jantar Mantar to join the Cockroach Janta Party's march to Parliament on Monday, sources said.

The action came amid heightened tensions in the high-security zone.

Several commuters were stranded inside nearby metro stations after access was restricted and station gates were closed as a precautionary measure.

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Heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel remained in place across central Delhi to prevent any breach of security.