His second detention this month — the earlier one was at IGIA when he arrived in Delhi to participate in a protest against SIR of poll rolls and CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Oct 10 — came ahead of a ‘tiranga yatra’ that the party had called at Connaught Place at 5pm. New Delhi: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, holding a national flag in his hand, was taken into preventive detention after stepping out of a house in central Delhi’s Jhandewalan Friday.
Before the detention, a group of more than 10 police personnel had reached the house and asked Dipke not to hold the demonstration at CP, citing concerns over traffic congestion, public safety and disruption to commercial activity. It houses numerous shops, restaurants, hotels, banks and offices, and disruptions during evening and peak festive season could affect traders and employees, the notice stated, adding that over 15 lakh traders and their employees depend on its peaceful and orderly functioning for their livelihoods. Invoking provisions of Delhi Police Act, 1978, the notice prohibited demonstrations, processions and rallies in the vicinity of CP, along with the carrying of objects that could be used as weapons and also the use of loudspeakers. Along with CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, he was released on Oct 11 after furnishing surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each, undertaking to maintain peace and good behaviour for one year, police said.
He was yet to be released till reports last came in at night.
Another officer told him that preventive action was being taken against him, following which he was whisked away in a police vehicle to an undisclosed location. Police said CP was a busy commercial hub with limited entry and exit points. A crowd in one circle can quickly clog the others, making dispersal and emergency exit difficult, they said. A large crowd could lead to congestion and pose a stampede risk, while obstruction of arterial roads could disrupt traffic across central Delhi, police said. Sources said Dipke was also served with a notice related to an alleged breach of bond.
In a notice issued to Dipke, police referred to his public statements and social media calls for people to assemble at CP, allegedly without seeking prior permission. The notice was issued in connection with proceedings before Delhi High Court in two petitions. It also highlighted that Rajiv Chowk Metro station, an interchange between the Blue and Yellow lines that caters to an average of two lakh commuters daily, could be affected by the gathering. Police also referred to previous CJP demonstrations, alleging that protesters had violated the conditions of permissions granted to them. It directed Dipke to ensure that the rights of traders, commuters, patients and other citizens were not affected. The notice further stated that CP was not a notified protest site and that demonstrations could be held at designated venues, subject to prior permission from the authorities.
Earlier calls for a march towards Parliament had resulted in violence and damage to public and private property, they claimed.