Two Delhi stadiums turn make-shift lock-up spots

New Delhi: A total of 1,200 people were arrested by the Delhi police on Thursday, for protesting against CAA. Around 400 of them were locked up in Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Bawana and Maharaja Surajmal Stadium in Nangloi, making the grounds temporary lock-up venues for close to six hours.

The detainees who were taken in a bus from areas like Red Fort, Delhi Gate, Daryaganj, ITO and Mandi House, were kept in the lock-up till 7 pm. Some of the detained were transferred to these two stadiums, which are 30 to 40kms outside central Delhi City.

Police personnel told media here, “The protestors were taken to the far-off son that it would be difficult for them to join the protest again. It would take over 90 minutes for them to reach the places of protests.”

Meanwhile, Delhi Police released a picture in which Swaraj Abhiyan chief Yogendra Yadav is having lunch only to show that the detainees could to roam around the stadium freely and to show that they were provided food and water.

Gaurav Sharma, DCP (outer-north) while speaking to media, said “Around 70 protesters were brought to Rajiv Gandhi stadium. We kept the gates open so that they can go out and come inside. Since it was cold, we arranged mattresses for all those detained. After they were released, they were taken to their respective destinations by bus.”