Delhi: Atishi Marlena Detained During Anti-Demolition Protest; CM Rekha Gupta Says Action Court-Ordered

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena was detained today (10 June) by the Delhi Police during a protest against a demolition drive in Bhoomiheen Camp in Kalkaji.

The protest was in response to an anti-encroachment operation by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) that allegedly left hundreds of families homeless.

Atishi joined local residents at the protest site and was removed by police when she refused to vacate the area. Visuals from the spot showed her being carried away while raising slogans.

The AAP criticised the police action, calling it an attempt to suppress a peaceful demonstration led by an elected representative.

The DDA, in response, stated that notices had been served in advance and that the operation was part of a citywide anti-encroachment effort.

The protest comes amid wider demolition activity in Delhi, including the recent clearance of Madrasi Camp, a slum near the Yamuna floodplains. On Sunday (8 June), Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the demolition at Madrasi Camp was carried out on the basis of a Delhi High Court order and intended to prevent monsoon-related flooding.

As per a report by Times of India, Gupta stated that no one can defy court orders and that encroachments in flood-prone zones pose risks to public safety.