Tensions flare at India Gate as Police stop AAP march, detain Bharadwaj

NEW DELHI: Tensions ran high in central Delhi on Sunday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers protested near India Gate demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with police detaining several protesters, including Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj. The protest was led by Bharadwaj, with AAP workers and members of the party's student organisation, the Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP), taking part. Protesters raised slogans demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

The situation escalated when police moved to detain protesters. AAP workers climbed onto buses carrying those detained, while others surrounded the vehicles and tried to prevent them from moving. Police subsequently detained several protesters, including Bharadwaj.

The AAP protest coincided with a citizens' march organised under the leadership of the All India Students' Association (AISA). The march began at India Gate and proceeded towards Jantar Mantar, with AISA national president Neha Bora, social activists and members of student organisations taking part. Police and protesters also faced off as the march moved towards the designated protest area.

Security was stepped up across central Delhi ahead of the planned marches. Around 5,000 police personnel, including paramilitary forces, were deployed, with multiple layers of barricading and security arrangements put in place. Police had said permission was not granted for the proposed India Gate-Jantar Mantar marches.

The latest protests came amid allegations over police handling of the demonstrations. Three women journalists have alleged that they were sexually harassed by police personnel while covering Saturday's protest at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police said their complaints had been received and transferred to the Crime Branch for inquiry.

The Sunday mobilisation followed two days of protests in Delhi. Hundreds of protesters, including AAP leaders and members of student organisations, were detained on Friday and Saturday after attempts to reach Jantar Mantar were blocked by police.

During Saturday's protest, ASAP also alleged that some of its volunteers were detained and taken around different parts of Delhi in a police bus before being taken to a police station. The allegation was reported by news agencies, although there was no immediate response from Delhi Police.

The protests have been organised over allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties and student organisations have questioned the revision process and have been demanding Kumar's resignation.

With demonstrations continuing for a third consecutive day, the agitation against the Election Commission remained tense in the national capital on Sunday.