Delhi Police files FIR in connection with AAP protest

Delhi Police has registered an FIR against unknown persons in connection with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's dharna outside Rail Bhavan in New Delhi that witnessed many violent scuffles in the high-security area where prohibitory orders were in place.

The case was registered at Parliament Street police station on Tuesday under section 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of duty) and section 333(voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from duty) of IPC, police sources said.

The two-day dharna by Kejriwal witnessed several altercations between police and AAP workers and at least 31 people, including policemen and media personnel, were injured.

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

Kejriwal's dharna in the heart of the capital came to an abrupt 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 confrontation with the Centre.

Image: Supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party push barricades installed by police during a protest in New Delhi on Tuesday

Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters