In a startling turn of events, Tehseen Poonawala, a prominent venture capitalist and political analyst, has claimed that the Delhi Police has placed him under house arrest in connection to his protest against the controversial E20 fuel policy.
Poonawala had earlier declared plans to embark on a solo march to Gandhi Smriti on August 1, accompanied by a period of silence and a hunger strike to express his dissent against the mandatory ethanol policy.
On Saturday morning, he shared several videos and messages on social media platform X, illustrating a significant presence of Delhi Police officers, including women, outside his residence, effectively restricting his movements. “I am being arrested at GK1. No crime against me, no papers, no documents… nothing!” he stated, alongside a photograph of the police vehicle stationed outside his building.
Claims of House Arrest
In a series of escalating posts, he proclaimed, “I AM UNDER HOUSE ARREST,” and asserted, “An entire battalion of Delhi Police cops including women officers have put me under house arrest!! Nitin Gadkari ji sir is scared of Ethanol.” He further alleged that the police action was aimed at silencing his opposition to the ethanol agenda, saying, “The Delhi Police force that has put me under house arrest so I cannot speak against Ethanol.”
Poonawala expressed his frustration, remarking, “Almost as if I am a terrorist!! All I wanted was a maun vrat and a peaceful democratic one day hunger strike. My Instagram account was suspended! I was abused! Now house arrested!”
Police Presence and Justification
Videos released by Poonawala depict officers stationed at his doorway. In one footage, he is seen conversing with an officer, repeatedly questioning the existence of any formal order authorizing his detention. He pointed out that this situation unfolds merely fifteen days prior to Independence Day, to which the officer responded that the anticipated protest could pose a potential law-and-order threat, thereby necessitating restrictions.
In subsequent recordings, Poonawala disclosed that the police had cited his social media announcement of the protest as the reason for the house arrest, suggesting that it could attract a large crowd. He also recounted a police officer praising him as “a great human being,” but indicating that orders had come from higher authorities to detain him.
Connectivity Issues and Protest Agenda
Moreover, Poonawala alleged that internet connectivity in his vicinity had been affected, with media personnel reporting signal disruptions, although he still managed to disseminate updates. He employed hashtags like #EthanolScam, #BETA_BADHAO_YOJNA, and #SUGAR_DADDY, reflecting his strong stance that the ethanol policy primarily serves particular sugar interests and distilleries.
As of now, the Delhi Police has not issued any official response to Poonawala’s claims. He has been vocal in demanding open discussions regarding the ethanol policy, advocating for E10 for E10-compliant vehicles, lower rates of E0 petrol, and transparency in all E20 Fuel policy documentation. Additionally, he has called for the removal of Nitin Gadkari from the ethanol portfolio.
