Kerala Bhawan search: Another right-wing activist arrested

New Delhi: A day after arresting Hindu Sena chief Vishu Gupta, Delhi Police on Thursday nabbed his aide Mohit Rajput for breaching peace and tranquility by calling police claiming that cow meat was being served at Kerala Bhawan canteen. Rajput (25), a resident of Laxmi Nagar in East Delhi, was detained on Thursday morning at Connaught Place police station. He was arrested later on Thursday.

Rajput and Gupta were later produced before a court here which sent them to four-day judicial custody, police said. "The accused have been booked under Sections 107/151 of CrPC," said DCP (New Delhi) Jatin Narwal.

Rajput and Gupta allegedly went to Kerala House on a "tip-off" that cow meat was being served in its canteen. Rajput even entered into an argument with the staff there and reported the matter to Gupta. It was the latter who called up the police control room to report the matter.

When a police team was sent there, their claims turned out to be false as it was buffalo meat on the menu. Both Rajput and Gupta have been arrested under the same CrPC sections, police said.

Meanwhile, under attack for "breach of protocol" in connection with the Kerala House episode, Delhi Police has issued a circular asking officials to contact the Resident Commissioners of state bhavans, in case of situations requiring preventive action.

The circular issued by the Delhi police yesterday noted that the officials who went enquiring for beef at Kerala House here "did not establish liaison with the Resident Commissioner or his representative, while securing the place and making enquiries".

The circular, signed by Senior Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) further stated, "Henceforth, whenever any occasion/situation arises and preventive or other action is required at any of the state bhawans, efforts should also be made to contact the Resident Commissioner or his representative."

"Where delay can result in any commission of crime or escalate law and order problem or damage to life and property, appropriate legal action should be initiated without any delay. "In such situations, assistance of the Resident Commissioner or his representative should be obtained at the first opportunity," the circular added. The communication was issued hours after the Hindu Sena chief was detained, and later arrested, yesterday, said a senior official.