Mumbai: Several AAP functionaries were detained on Sunday ahead of a planned protest outside the residence of MP Raghav Chadha in Khar. AAP’s Mumbai Working President Ruben Mascarenhas said without any detention order or any written communication, he had been taken to Khar Police Station. AAP’s Mumbai unit claimed they had given prior intimation to the police about Sunday’s peaceful protest in Khar. AAP later said despite massive police bandobast, AAP workers protested outside Raghav Chadha and Parineeti Chopra’s residence in Khar. Khar police said five party workers were detained. “They were protesting despite police permission being denied by the police. Police will review CCTV footage and independent videography of the protest before deciding on sections to be applied against the protestors. A case is likely to be registered,” said officials. “Despite this, police are not allowing the gathering. Reports that AAP Mumbai leader Ruben Mascarenhas has been taken to Khar Police Station from his home, and police have also reached the AAP’s Chakala office. Just days ago, BJP protests in Mumbai were allowed to block roads for hours, causing massive traffic jams. A citizen who questioned this even faced a FIR. A small, peaceful protest by AAP is being stopped with heavy police deployment and a notice has been served to AAP Mumbai Working President Ruben Mascarenhas… and also been detained at Khar Police Station. Double standards much, Devendra Fadnavis? When BJP blocks roads, it’s a “protest.” When others raise their voices, it’s “law & order”? Democracy cannot be selective. the AAP Mumbai said in a post on X. AAP Mumbai has stated that the restrictions and detentions amount to suppression of a lawful and peaceful democratic protest and raised concerns over selective enforcement of law and order. The protest remained peaceful overall, with participants maintaining discipline throughout the day.“Mumbai Police has orders from the very top that a peaceful protest by AAP against Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak’s treachery, has to not take place at any cost. We intimated the police, well in time. Police has arrived at my home. I am not being allowed to leave. This is illegal and unacceptable.Why is Mumbai Police so scared of AAP’s peaceful protest against ‘Gaddar’ Raghav Chaddha and Sandeep Pathak. We are Arvind Kejriwal’s soldiers, we are not going to be cowed down. No amount of force can silence determined voices.Shame on Raghav Chadha for betraying the trust of the people,” Mascarenhas said in a post on X.Police personnel blocked roads leading to the area from both sides, restricting vehicular movement and preventing any gathering near the residence. The protest had reportedly been planned in response to Chadha’s recent exit from AAP and his decision to join BJP. On Friday, seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs — Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikram Sahni and Swati Maliwal — resigned from the party and joined the BJP.
