AAP leaders detained at sealing drive protest

The party said that Delhi Police lathicharged the protestors, which including women, and detained some leaders.

"Delhi Police personnel misbehaved with AAP leaders Richa Pandey and Ashutosh, who were leading a peaceful protest against the BJP-sponsored sealing in different Delhi markets", said a spokesperson of the Delhi government.

Meanwhile, elaborating the claims, AAP chief spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "Delhi Police mercilessly beat up Ashutosh at the protest march and he was forced into Parliament Street police station."

The party had on Sunday announced that its MLAs, MPs and workers will hold the march on Monday morning.

The march, led by senior AAP leader Gopal Raim began from Patel Chowk Metro station and headed towards Sansad Bhawan.

Reports said that some of the protestors, including AAP leaders Ashutosh, Richa Pandey and Dilip Pandey, were detained at Parliament Street police station.

However, Deputy Commissioner of Police BK Singh retorted, "Whatever AAP leaders are alleging is incorrect, wrong and concocted. They assembled near Patel Chowk Metro station without permission. Even then, police asked them to go to Parliament Street in front of the police station."

Singh added that the protesters began marching towards Parliament, which was in session on Monday.

When police tried to reason with them, some of the protestors became violent and menacingly pushed policemen, and policewomen, on duty, he said.

"Legal action is being taken against violators of the law," said the senior police official.

Bharadwaj, meanwhile, stated that the "BJP is doing unnecessary politics and blaming the AAP government instead. The main responsible agencies, in this case, are MCDs and DDA (Delhi Development Authority). We have no role to play here."

He added that the AAP-led Delhi government has urged the BJP-led Centre to pass a law to protect poor traders, which is why AAP leaders marched till Sansad Bhawan.

"To protect traders, there should be some changes in the DDA's Master Plan for Delhi. Lieutenant Governor is the chairperson of DDA and our MLAs have repeatedly urged for some changes, but to no avail," Bharadwaj added.

Meanwhile, Gopal Rai on Monday said that councillors and activists of AAP will participate in a relay hunger strike against the sealing drive at the Civic Center on Tuesday.

"Our MLAs, councillors and activists will participate in the protest at the Civic Centre against the sealing drive," Rai said on Monday evening.