Delhi: The Delhi Police has taken strict action in response to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) calling for a “gherao” (encirclement) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence to protest against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The police have beefed up security not only around the prime minister’s house but also in several other parts of the national capital. A Traffic Police officer has warned of potential disruptions and advised commuters to avoid certain roads in New Delhi and Central Delhi during the protest. The Delhi Police has stated that it has implemented multiple security layers to ensure law and order is maintained, and Section 144 of the CrPC, which prohibits unlawful assembly, has been imposed in the area around the prime minister’s residence. Delhi Minister Gopal Rai had announced plans for a nationwide protest against Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges of money laundering.
The AAP leader has denied all allegations and accused the central government of misusing investigative agencies for political gain. The ED claims that Kejriwal was involved in soliciting kickbacks from liquor traders in exchange for favors through a now-scrapped excise policy. The Delhi Traffic Police have set up seven diversion points to ensure smooth movement of vehicles during the protest.
