FIR over fireworks by Kejriwal supporters celebrating his release

The Delhi Police registered an FIR against unidentified persons for bursting crackers and causing air pollution following Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s release from jail on Friday. The FIR, lodged at the Civil Lines police station near the CM’s residence, cites that the bursting of crackers contributed to air pollution and violated the ban on firecrackers imposed by the Delhi Government earlier this month.

According to the FIR, the incident took place around 6.45 pm, when a large crowd gathered near the CM’s residence. “When we approached the location to investigate, the individuals responsible for bursting the crackers fled, and we could not identify them. The crackers caused air pollution, posing a danger to the health of nearby residents and the general public,” the FIR stated.

The case has been registered under Section 223(b) of the BNS (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant).

The Delhi BJP welcomed the FIR, but criticised the AAP for allowing its workers to burst crackers, accusing the party of hypocrisy. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said, “The Delhi Government must accept both moral and legal responsibility for the incident.”

He alleged that the scale of the cracker burning suggested they were provided by the AAP leadership to “create artificial hype” around Kejriwal’s release. He added, “AAP workers couldn’t have procured such a large quantity of crackers, as they are banned.”

Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav said, “It is ironic that the same government that banned crackers has its supporters violating the order with impunity.”

Meanwhile, the AAP downplayed the incident, attributing the celebrations to the emotional response of Kejriwal’s supporters. “The people of Delhi were ecstatic over the release of their favourite leader. It was an emotional moment, and a few individuals expressed their happiness by bursting crackers,” the party said.

BJP accuses AAP of hypocrisy

Delhiites are shocked by the hypocrisy of AAP leaders, who have banned crackers on festivals like Diwali, but celebrated Kejriwal’s release with crackers worth lakhs of rupees. — Virendra Sachdeva, Delhi BJP president