FIR against Kejriwal, AAP leaders for 'chaos' at Bangla Sahib during CEC protest
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RAJEEV SINGH
Delhi Police have registered an FIR against Aam Aadmi Party leaders following allegations of political protests and disruption within the premises of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Prominent citizens have subsequently called for an independent inquiry into the police response, highlighting concerns over the sanctity of religious sites.
Tensions Erupt at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Recent events in New Delhi have sparked a significant controversy involving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). The situation began when supporters, identified in reports as being linked to the AAP, organized a protest near the sacred Gurdwara Bangla Sahib to demand the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstration, which focused on grievances regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, quickly escalated into a legal and social conflict when protesters allegedly entered the gurdwara premises.
The DSGMC Complaint and Legal Repercussions
The DSGMC, led by president Harmeet Singh Kalka, reacted sharply to the incident, asserting that the protesters violated the sanctity of the 'Guru Ghar' by raising political slogans and attempting to utilize the religious space for their demonstration. Following these claims, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and several other party leaders and MLAs. The complaint specifically cites the disruption of the gurdwara's peaceful environment and the subsequent circulation of what the committee describes as misleading videos and social media posts.
Civil Society and the Call for Inquiry
The incident has drawn the attention of prominent citizens and former officials who are now calling for greater accountability. A collective known as Citizens for Fraternity - Bharat (CFF-Bharat) has formally written to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the Police Commissioner. This group, which includes former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, has expressed “serious concern” regarding the police presence within the gurdwara during the October 10 protests.
The Intersection of Faith and Public Protest
The core of this debate lies in the delicate balance between the right to public protest and the sanctity of religious institutions. The letter from CFF-Bharat emphasizes that places of worship should not become extensions of police operations or political arenas. By advocating for an independent, time-bound inquiry, these public figures are signaling that the handling of this protest has broader implications for how law enforcement interacts with sensitive cultural and religious sites during periods of political volatility.
Investigative Path and Future Trends
As the Delhi Police continue to examine video footage to verify the claims made by the DSGMC, the case remains a focal point for political friction in the capital. The investigation into Arvind Kejriwal and his party members will likely hinge on the visual evidence and the extent to which the protest activities directly interfered with religious rites. Moving forward, this event may set a precedent for how political parties in India manage their outreach and demonstrations near sensitive religious landmarks, potentially leading to stricter guidelines regarding public conduct in such spaces.
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