Delhi police heightens security as AAP calls for protest against Kejriwal’s arrest

The Delhi police on Tuesday intensified security arrangements near Prime Minister’s residence and issued traffic advisory for the city amid Aam Aadmi Party’s call for a “gherao” protest after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the excise policy case last week.

“Robust security arrangements have been made. We have installed layers of security to maintain law and order in the area,” the Delhi Police officer said, adding that, “Section 144 (of the CrPC) is already imposed around the prime minister’s residence and no one will be allowed to protest,” reported PTI.

Earlier, AAP minister Gopal Rai had announced plans to "gherao" the prime minister's residence on Tuesday to protest against Kejriwal's arrest. He had also said that a mega protest will be held nationwide.

According to NDTV, officials said all AAP MLAs and office-bearers will gather at the party headquarters this morning and then march to the Prime Minister's residence.

A Delhi Traffic Police officer said movement is likely to be affected in parts of New Delhi and Central Delhi due to the protest, it said.

"Commuters must avoid Kemal Ataturk Marg, Safdarjung Road, Akbar Road and Teen Murti Marg on Tuesday in view of the protest," an officer said.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) also shared an update which said, “Due to security reasons, entry/exit at Lok Kalyan Marg Metro station, Gate no 3 of Patel Chowk Metro Station and Gate no 5 of Central Secretariat Metro station will remain closed till further notice.”

AAP members had also organized protests on Sunday in which the representatives of INDIA bloc also took part. 

At a joint press meet, Delhi minister Gopal Rai said there is anger among the people over the manner in which Mr Kejriwal was arrested.

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering case on Thursday and was remanded in its custody till March 28 by the Rouse Avenue court in Delhi the next day.

The central probe agency has accused the AAP leader of being a "conspirator" and soliciting kickbacks from liquor traders in exchange for favors.

The ED believes the now-scrapped policy provided an impossibly high profit margin of nearly 185 per cent for retailers and 12 per cent for wholesalers, reported NDTV.

Kejriwal has refuted the allegations and accused the BJP-led Centre of "manipulating investigative agencies for political motives".