Video: Several AAP members detained as police refuse to protest

New Delhi:

Punjab ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Somnath Bharti were among the AAP members detained by Delhi police today. Protest against arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in liquor policy case.

Several AAP leaders and workers – including women – were seen being pushed and dragged onto buses and taken to various police stations in the national capital.

While Aam Aadmi Party today called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a ‘gherao’, the Bharatiya Janata Party staged a massive march demanding Kejriwal’s resignation, saying his ‘jail job’ plans were A scam.

Delhi Police has beefed up security along the roads leading to the Prime Minister’s residence. Some subway stations were also closed today for safety reasons, officials said.

Police said the AAP members did not have permission to protest.

New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar said: “No permission has been obtained to hold the protest. We have also received information that protesters will gather at the Patel Chik Metro station. In view of this, we have strengthened security arrangements.”

The BJP has been demanding Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation as chief minister following his arrest. The AAP, however, insisted that Mr Kejriwal would continue as Delhi chief minister even if it meant operating from behind bars.

A protest was also organized by the Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday and was also attended by representatives of the Indian group. Addressing a joint press conference, Delhi Minister Gopal Rai said people were angry over the manner in which Kejriwal was arrested.

Indian opposition groups have announced a large rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Sunday to protest against Kejriwal’s arrest.

The Aam Aadmi Party chief was arrested on Thursday and the next day Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court remanded him in the custody of the investigating agency till March 28.