Section 144 imposed at DDU Marg as AAP protests widen over Delhi CM’s arrest

Amidst protests by AAP workers over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi police have increased security measures in the national capital to prevent potential disturbances. Highlighting the heightened security, authorities stressed the importance of maintaining law and order, particularly around the court premises.

“We have implemented strict security measures to prevent any law and order issues. Security concerns around the court have also been addressed,” said DCP Central, M. Harshavardhan.

“We need to ensure law and order. ITO is a busy junction with heavy traffic, so security measures have been put in place to prevent congestion,” he added.

Vigilance has also been increased outside the Rouse Avenue court, a potential gathering spot for large crowds, according to the police official.

“Section 144 has been imposed at the DDU Marg, as it is not a designated protest site and houses many vital installations and important offices,” said DCP Central M. Harshavardhan.
Additionally, the ITO metro station has been temporarily closed, and security has been heightened outside ITO amid protests by AAP leaders.

“On the advice of Delhi Police, ITO Metro station will remain closed from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM today i.e., 22nd March 2024,” informed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a post.

The imposition of Section 144 outside the Aam Aadmi Party office in Delhi comes amidst chaos by AAP workers over the arrest of AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the ED on Thursday. A large number of AAP leaders staged a protest outside the AAP office against the Chief Minister’s arrest, leading to their detention.

Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Delhi Ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi, were detained by the Delhi police during the party protest. Meanwhile, many DMK leaders also protested in Chennai against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The INDI bloc has come out in support of the Delhi Chief Minister. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reached out to Arvind Kejriwal’s family and assured them of Congress’ full support.

Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Kejriwal’s arrest and accused him of resorting to “dictatorial tactics” to destroy democracy in the country.

“The scared dictator wants to create a dead democracy. Capturing all institutions, including the media, breaking up parties, extorting money from companies, and freezing the accounts of the main opposition party were not enough for the ‘devilish power’, now the arrest of elected chief ministers has also become common,” he posted.

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case on Thursday after the Delhi High Court refused interim protection to Kejriwal from coercive action in connection with the excise policy case.