'Stepmotherly Treatment': Saurabh Bharadwaj Slams Delhi Police Over CR Park Puja Harassment
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj slams Delhi Police for allegedly cutting power at a CR Park Durga Puja pandal and harassing the Bengali community.
The festive spirit of Durga Puja in Delhi's Chittaranjan (CR) Park has been clouded by a political storm after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the Delhi Police of targeting the Bengali community and Puja committees. In a scathing attack, Bharadwaj alleged that the police are engaging in unprecedented harassment of one of the city's most educated and decent communities.
Allegations of Power Cuts and Equipment Damage
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the AAP leader detailed a shocking incident that allegedly occurred on Saturday. According to Bharadwaj, police constables barged into the B Block Durga Puja pandal and took the drastic step of forcibly cutting off the electrical connections. He further claimed that this action resulted in damage to the equipment at the venue.
Addressing the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Bharadwaj questioned the motives behind such actions, stating that the Bengali community is being treated unfairly.
"Attention @LtGovDelhi saab, Delhi Police officers are harassing the Bengali community and CR Park Durga Puja Committees like never before. This community is one of the most decent and well-educated sections of Delhi," Bharadwaj posted.
Claims of Selective Enforcement
The AAP president highlighted what he termed as "stepmotherly treatment," pointing out a perceived double standard in how the city's laws and permissions are applied. He argued that while the Delhi government encourages 24x7 business operations and shops, and most Ram Leela celebrations are permitted to continue well past midnight, the Durga Puja committees are facing strict and hostile policing.
Bharadwaj expressed his dismay over the situation, asserting that such behavior by the police is completely unacceptable during a period of religious celebration.
Traffic Restrictions in South Delhi
Amidst these political allegations, the Delhi Traffic Police has been focused on managing the massive crowds expected at the festivities. A traffic advisory has been issued for Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), Greater Kailash-II, and surrounding areas of South Delhi from October 16 to 20.
Key Traffic Guidelines:
- Restriction Hours: Daily from 4 pm to midnight.
- Vehicle Ban: Private vehicles belonging to visitors and devotees are strictly prohibited from entering CR Park and Greater Kailash-II during the restricted hours.
- Reasoning: The police cited limited road space in residential colonies and a complete lack of designated visitor parking, which typically leads to heavy congestion during evening hours when footfall is at its peak.