Police files two FIRs over AAP’s Rail Bhavan dharna

New Delhi: Delhi Police have registered two FIRs against unknown persons in connection with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's dharna outside Rail Bhavan in New Delhi which witnessed violent scuffles inside the high-security area where prohibitory orders were in place.

The first FIR was registered on Monday while the second was filed on Tuesday at the Parliament Street police station under Section 186 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of duty) and Section 333 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from duty) of IPC, police sources said.

Police lathicharge an AAP supporter during the party's dharna near Rail Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI

"Besides, various other sections like 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty) and 151 (knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse) have also been included in the case," a police official said.

The two-day dharna by Kejriwal witnessed several clashes between police and AAP workers, leading to injuries to at least 31 people, including police and media personnel.

"The cases registered in connection with the agitation on 20 and 21 January in the area of Parliament Street police station will be investigated on merit," said a statement by Delhi Police.

A police official said that the footage of more than 155 CCTV cameras installed in the said area would be scanned to identify the perpetrators who face arrest for their actions.

Kejriwal's dharna in the heart of the capital came to an brupt end last night after two police officers were sent on leave under a neat compromise with the Centre over his demand for suspension of five officials for alleged dereliction of duty.

The over 30-hour protest outside Rail Bhavan in the Raisina Hill area that virtually morphed into a demand for control over Delhi Police and threatened to disrupt the Republic Day celebrations on Sunday ended following an assurance from the Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.

Kejriwal announced that he was calling off the protest following the "victory" achieved by the people of Delhi.

Under the compromise, the SHO of Malviya Nagar, who refused to raid an alleged drug and prostitution ring on the orders of Law Minister Somnath Bharti, and PCR van in-charge of Paharganj, where a Danish woman was gangraped last week, were sent on leave, paving the way for an end to the stalemate with the Centre.

PTI