Sealing continues, bandh today

The controversial sealing drive against unauthorised commercial establishments in New Delhi continued on Thursday with the Municipal Corporation, Delhi, targeting big shops and malls in posh South Delhi.

The traders have called for a protest on Friday.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, sensing a major issue ahead of the civic polls, stepped up its protest.

As many as 658 of its activists -- including 19 MLAs -- were detained while four persons were taken into preventive custody.

The MCD sealed 66 properties in the central and south zones of the civic body amidst tight security.

A MCD team, aided by heavy security cover, sealed the popular Haldiram's restaurant, Jagdish Furnishing Store, Regency Guest House and Air Hostess Academy at Lajpat Nagar on the Ring Road.

The MCD has sealed 237 commercial units in two days after it resumed the controversial drive on Wednesday following the Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee's decision.

The three-member panel inspected a building in Sarvodaya Enclave where it found commercial activity taking place under the garb of a community centre. Four premises, including a gymnasium, were sealed in the area.

Police said the drive was peaceful as no reports of untoward incident reported from anywhere.

Meanwhile, the traders gave a call for a 24-hour 'Delhi Bandh'.

"We are calling a bandh to protest against the repressive policies of the government and the unjust treatment meted out to the trade leaders," said Ramesh Khanna, leader of Confederation of All India Traders.

Meanwhile, a 60-year-old trader set himself on fire in a Southwest Delhi locality and was hospitalised with serious burn injuries.

Wasir Chand, a resident of Tilak Nagar in West Delhi, had been admitted to Safdarjung hospital.

He owns a photo studio in Uttam Nagar in West Delhi and had rented out another shop.

Though his family claimed Chand was upset over the MCD sealing drive, he told police that he was depressed because of domestic problems.