After Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, Section 144 imposed at DDU Marg; Delhi Metro closes ITO station; Delhi Police issues traffic advisory

DMRC News, Delhi Police Traffic Advisory: A day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the liquor policy case on Thursday (March 21, 2024), Delhi Metro (DMRC), on advice of Delhi Police, closed ITO metro station at 8 am on Friday (March 22, 2024). The DMRC said that the station would remain closed till 6 PM today.

In a statement posted on their official X account, the DMRC wrote, “On advice of Delhi Police, ITO Metro station will remain closed from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM today, i.e, 22nd March 2024."

Service Update

On advice of Delhi Police, ITO Metro station will remain closed from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM today i.e, 22nd March 2024.

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 22, 2024

Delhi Police Traffic Advisory

The Delhi Police also issued traffic advisory for commuters, asking them to avoid certain routes in anticipation of protests after Kejriwal's arrest.

Traffic Alert
On 22.03.2024, Due to Special arrangements, Traffic may remain affected on Krishna Menon Marg, Motilal Nehru Marg, Janpath, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road.Commuters are advised to avoid these stretches till further notice.

— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) March 22, 2024

The Police asked commuters to avoid these routes till further notice-

Motilal Nehru Marg
Krishna Menon Marg
Dr Apj Abdul Kalam Road
Janpath

Section 144 imposed at DDU Marg

Amid the protests by AAP workers over the arrest of Kejriwal, the Delhi police has escalated security measures in the national capital to avert any potential disturbances.

Highlighting the heightened security arrangements, authorities emphasised the necessity of maintaining law and order, particularly around the court premises.

"We have ensured strict security measures to avoid any problems with law and order. The security concerns around the court have also been taken care of," DCP Central, M. Harshavardhan informed.

"We need to take care of the law and order situation. ITO is a busy junction, where there is huge inflow of traffic, so to avoid any congestion, security measures have been put to place," he added.

Additionally, vigilance has been intensified outside the Rouse Avenue court, a potential gathering spot for large crowds, the police official stated.

"Section 144 has been imposed at the DDU marg, because it is not a designated protest site, because a lot of vital installations and important offices are there," DCP Central M. Harshavardhan said.

The imposition of Section 144 outside the Aam aadmi party office in Delhi comes amid chaos by the AAP workers over the arrest of Kejriwal.

A large number of AAP leaders staged a protest outside the AAP office against the Chief minister's arrest, leading to their detention.

Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Delhi ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi, were detained by the Delhi police during the party protest.

DMK leaders protest

Meanwhile, many DMK leaders also protested in Chennai against the arrest of Delhi Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Notably, the INDI bloc has come out in support of the Delhi Chief Minister.

Rahul Gandhi extends support to Kejriwal's family

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday reached out to Arvind Kejriwal's family and assured them of Congress' full support.

Gandhi came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the arrest of Kejriwal and accused him of resorting to "dictatorial tactics" to destroy democracy in the country.

The Congress leader also accused the BJP-led NDA government of "capturing institutions", including the media.

"A scared dictator wants to create a dead democracy. While capturing all the institutions, including the media, breaking up the parties, extorting money from companies, and freezing the accounts of the main opposition party was not enough for the 'devilish power', now the arrest of the elected chief ministers has also become a common thing," he posted on X.

(With inputs from ANI)