Activist Tehseen Poonawalla on Saturday alleged that he was placed under house arrest by the Delhi Police ahead of his planned protest march and indefinite hunger strike against the Centre’s E20 petrol policy. The march was scheduled to proceed to Gandhi Smriti, where Poonawalla intended to launch his campaign opposing the ethanol-blended fuel initiative and demanding accountability from Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Sharing videos from outside his residence on social media, Poonawalla claimed a large contingent of police personnel had been deployed to prevent him from leaving. He alleged that he was being detained without any formal order or written documentation. In one of the videos, he questioned police officials over the legal basis for restricting his movement, calling the action an attempt to silence democratic protest.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Responding to his objections, a police officer told Poonawalla that the proposed demonstration could create a law and order situation and urged him to cooperate with authorities.
The activist has been one of the most vocal critics of the government’s E20 fuel rollout, arguing that the policy adversely affects consumers and vehicle owners. His planned protest and hunger strike form part of a broader campaign seeking a review of the ethanol-blended fuel programme and greater public consultation on its implementation.
