Police force outside Kejriwal residence was inadequate: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Delhi Police to file a status report on the vandalism outside the residence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla was hearing a petition on the incident, which was filed by AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj.

The vandalism occurred during protests by members of the BJP youth wing outside Kejriwal's residence on Wednesday.

The bench directed the Delhi Police to file the status report on the investigation into the vandalism in a sealed cover within two weeks.

Bar and Bench reported the Delhi High Court bench observed "We also find that police force is inadequate. Therefore, whosoever was there from Police, it appears they tried to stop them but they were outnumbered. So you will have to explain what was your bandobast."

The court noted the protesters "tried to take law in their hands", sources reported.

The court directed that CCTV footage of the incident be preserved.

The bench emphasised it wanted to be satisfied that the Delhi Police was "taking matter seriously". Bharadwaj had filed a petition seeking a special investigation team probe into the vandalism and steps to ensure security of Kejriwal.

The Delhi High Court listed the matter for hearing on April 25.