Delhi Police declares AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan as 'bad character'

A total of 18 FIRs have been registered against AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan

A day after arresting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan on the charges of obstruction civic authorities anti-encroachment drive, the Delhi Police on Friday said he was declared a history-sheeter and of 'bad character' on March 30.

According to Delhi Police, Khan has more than 18 FIRs registered against him.

Police said that Khan was declared a ‘history-sheeter’ and a ‘bad character’ because he is a habitual offender and has serious cases, such as land-grabbing and assault, lodged against him.

According to the police, a person who has involvement in several cases, including that of murder and attempt to murder, and can disturb peace in an area is declared as a 'bad character'.

On Thursday, ruckus ensued after locals attacked the anti-encroachment team of South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) that had reached Madanpur Khadar to remove illegal encroachments. Violence broke out as protesters pelted stones at the anti-encroachment team that had come to vacate illegal establishments.

The police had to resort to lathi-charge to control the crowd. AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan was also present at the spot and was accused of instigating the crowd against the anti-encroachment team. A case was registered against him, along with 6 others.

Khan was arrested for protesting against an anti encroachment drive. Meanwhile, Saket Court on Friday granted bail to Khan on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties of Rs 50,000 each.

Several markets in his Okhla constituency were closed on Friday in protest against his arrest.

Earlier in the day, Shafia, Khan's wife, had appealed to the people of Okhla to close shutters from 9 am to 5 pm in solidarity with their elected representative. She also tweeted saying her husband's life is in danger.

Khan has been active in protests against the BJP-ruled municipal corporation's anti-encroachment drive. Earlier in the week, he was seen resisting a similar drive in Shaheen Bagh.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia condemned the arrest of Khan, but Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal maintained silence.

In response, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders trained their guns at AAP, alleging that the party was playing the “soft Hindutva card” by choosing not to openly come out in support of Khan.