Amidst the urban landscape of New Delhi, the authorities of the Delhi Police, in the early hours of Friday, bolstered security measures by deploying a substantial number of personnel and erecting multi-layered barricades along the thoroughfares leading to the headquarters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This preemptive action was taken in anticipation of a demonstration organized by leaders and supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in response to the apprehension of their Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal.
Additionally, paramilitary forces, clad in attire designed for anti-riot operations, have been stationed to ensure the preservation of law and order in the vicinity. Concerns over potential disturbances have prompted the traffic police to advise commuters to seek alternative routes to central Delhi, foreseeing a substantial influx of AAP activists.
As part of the security measures, access to the BJP headquarters and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in central Delhi has been restricted. Concurrently, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced the closure of the ITO Metro station from 8 am to 6 pm, coinciding with the scheduled protest by the AAP.
“In accordance with the guidance provided by the Delhi Police, the ITO Metro station will remain non-operational from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM today, the 22nd of March, 2024,” stated the DMRC through its official communication channels. AAP leaders have mobilized party members, urging them to convene at the BJP headquarters at 10 am to voice their dissent against Kejriwal’s detention.
Insiders within the AAP reveal that efforts have been made to galvanize support, with all elected representatives and councilors in Delhi instructed to rally individuals at the BJP headquarters. It is anticipated that a significant turnout will converge on the streets to protest the incarceration of Kejriwal. Heightened vigilance has been implemented at the peripheries of Delhi to thwart any attempts by AAP affiliates from neighboring regions to infiltrate the capital.
Following his apprehension in connection with a case pertaining to money laundering linked to an excise policy, Kejriwal spent the night at the ED office situated in central Delhi. A senior police official disclosed that directives have been issued to detain demonstrators, citing the imposition of Section 144 outside the BJP headquarters and ED office.
Moreover, a fleet of buses has been mobilized to apprehend protestors and transport them several kilometers away from central Delhi, as detailed by the aforementioned officer. Senior officers of the Delhi Police have been directed to maintain strict surveillance within their respective jurisdictions. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing stringent measures against any breaches of the law.