In a dramatic escalation of tensions in Delhi’s political landscape, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj was taken into custody by police on Sunday while attempting to meet the family of Kamal Dhiani, a young man who tragically lost his life in a pothole accident in Janakpuri. Bharadwaj, accompanied by fellow AAP leaders, arrived at the victim’s residence to express condolences and highlight the deteriorating road conditions in the national capital.
The incident unfolded as Bharadwaj and his team planned a candlelight march to honor Dhiani, who died on February 5 after his bike plunged into a massive pothole. Instead of support, they were met with a heavy police presence from six different stations, leading to Bharadwaj’s detention. Speaking to reporters post-detention, the AAP leader unleashed a scathing critique of Delhi’s law and order situation under the current regime.
“This is sheer tyranny,” Bharadwaj declared. “Kamal’s parents, brother, and relatives spent the entire night visiting six police stations, yet no FIR was registered. But when we come to pay tribute, the full force descends with his photo plastered everywhere.” He accused authorities of ignoring genuine grievances while aggressively silencing voices demanding accountability.
Bharadwaj painted a grim picture of lawlessness plaguing Delhi, from slums to high-rises. “No one cares about law and order here. It’s all goondaraj—thuggery. Those who raise their voices are being muzzled, and nothing productive is happening.” He vowed that AAP would continue to amplify the concerns of Delhiites, who he claimed are fed up with BJP’s governance.
The standoff underscores deeper issues of civic infrastructure and police responsiveness in India’s capital. Kamal Dhiani’s untimely death has ignited public outrage over pothole-riddled roads, especially amid ongoing blame games between AAP and BJP. As Bharadwaj noted, “Delhi’s people are watching everything. They will respond at the right time.” This incident may fuel further protests, keeping the spotlight on urban safety and governance failures.