AAP MLA Somnath Bharti provoked mob to damage AIIMS wall: complainant

NEW DELHI: A rioting case was registered against AAP MLA Somnath Bharti and his supporters on Saturday for provoking a mob to damage public property at AIIMS with an earthmover near Gautam Nagar nullah and allowing unauthorised entry into the hospital premises.

The case was registered on a complaint by the chief security officer of AIIMS, who claimed that Bharti and about 300 of his supporters manhandled the security guards injuring six of them in the process. The incident took place on Friday around 9.45am when Bharti and his supporters started demolishing the boundary wall near Gautam Nagar.

“In his complaint, the officer has alleged that Bharti and his men claimed that the road was public property and they couldn't be stopped. However, they failed to produce the orders on which the demolition was being carried out.When AIIMS guards tried to protect the property , Bharti's supporters misbehaved with them during which a few securitymen sustained injuries. Bharti and his men were not accompanied by any government official,“ said a senior police officer.

Bharti has been booked under IPC sections 147 (rioting), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of duty), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of) and under Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

The MLA said that the matter is being politicised.“The area SHO was present at the spot and the entire proceedings were videotaped. The police officer said that he would ensure that AIIMS officials have a meeting with PWD on the matter. I did not lead any mob or instigate anyone,“ he said.

On Sunday evening, Bharti tweeted: "Come what may , this wall will have to go in the larger interest of Gautam Nagar, Masjid Moth, Niti Bagh n rest of ward 164 residents (sic)."

He further tweeted: “Wherever common man will be troubled I will go. D allegation that residents dismantled the wall is a blatant lie. I will fight in court (sic).“