Delhi Police files multiple FIRs over INDIA bloc protest, cites barricade-breaking

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has registered multiple FIRs at Barakhamba Road and Tilak Marg police stations in connection with the Opposition’s protest on Monday. The cases relate to alleged barricade-breaking and graffiti on roads during the demonstration, police said.On Monday, INDIA bloc leaders and supporters, led by Rahul Gandhi, marched along Barakhamba Road towards the Supreme Court. Later, 11 opposition leaders filed a petition in the apex court challenging the Election Commission’s decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.In a parallel development, the Supreme Court Registry has flagged 14 defects in a writ petition filed by Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and nine other INDIA bloc leaders challenging aspects of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.The petitioners include Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, CPI(M) MP MA Baby, CPI leader D Raja, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Majhi, NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule and Indian Union Muslim League MP ET Mohammed Basheer.The Registry has also sought clarification on why Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi have been named as respondents in the petition, which has been filed under Article 32 of the Constitution.

The petitioners have approached the Supreme Court alleging irregularities in the exercise of the Election Commission’s powers during the SIR. They have sought, among other reliefs, scrutiny of the manner in which the poll panel took and implemented decisions related to the revision of electoral rolls.Meanwhile, Delhi Police has sought an extension of the deployment of 273 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the national capital till October 20, citing the possibility of protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other organisations, PTI reported, quoting sources.The deployment was scheduled to end on Monday. Police has approached the Union home ministry, citing the need to maintain law and order and manage potential demonstrations at sensitive locations, including Jantar Mantar, the Election Commission, Parliament House and India Gate.

Police have also flagged possible protests by the Bhim Army, student groups and other political organisations.A total of 301 CAPF companies were approved for deployment in Delhi, with 221 arriving on October 6 and another 80 approved on October 8.

Of the additional 80 companies, 28 had not reported to Delhi Police as of Monday, the sources said.Rahul has also invited opposition MPs for high tea at his residence on Tuesday.This comes amid protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Over the weekend, security was tightened across Delhi, 45 metro stations were closed and checks intensified at the city’s borders.Thousands of protesters, including CJP leaders and former chief ministers, were detained.