New Delhi: Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi was detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday while protesting against an anti-encroachment drive at the Bhoomiheen Camp in Kalkaji. The area, home to hundreds of migrant families, saw heavy police and CRPF deployment as authorities prepared to carry out court-ordered demolitions.
Atishi had earlier raised concerns on social media, posting images of the security buildup and accusing the BJP-led administration of planning forced evictions despite earlier assurances. “This is the third demolition in just over a year,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The BJP government has sent thousands of police and CRPF to suppress protests by landless residents.”
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had issued eviction notices to residents, giving them three days to vacate or face removal. Atishi questioned Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s stance, pointing out that Gupta had previously claimed no demolitions would take place. “Rekha Gupta ji, you said you would not demolish any slum. Then why such a heavy police presence?” she asked.
Gupta, however, stated that the government could not ignore court orders and emphasized that alternative housing had been arranged for displaced families. The demolition drive follows similar actions in other informal settlements, including the recent clearance of the Madrasi Camp near Barapullah.
