When 37-year-old Abid Ahmed walked out of Tihar Jail on Thursday, a hero was waiting to be welcomed. Scores of his supporters, many of whom had criminal records, greeted him with cheers and the promise of a night of joy on the city streets.
Ahmed, who was released on bail, was brought like royalty and a celebratory parade was taken out in the Delhi Cantonment area around 8.30 pm.
However, the Delhi Police soon caught their festivities and stopped them in their tracks. The police caught all those in the age group of 18-40 who were roaming around in their luxury cars and high-end motorcycles at Kirby Place at around 10.30 pm.
Police said 83 people who attended the parade were arrested on Friday on charges of creating public nuisance and hooliganism.
DCP (South West) Manoj C said that there are 14 criminal cases registered against Ahmed, a resident of Tughlakabad Extension, at Govindpuri police station.
Police said he has been involved in cases of murder, attempt to murder, dacoity and rioting.
Police said that 35 of those arrested also have cases of murder, attempt to murder and robbery registered against them. One of the detained juveniles was later released. “He will now be sent to judicial custody,” Mr Manoj said. A video shared by the DCP shows several police officers stopping the revelers, inspecting their vehicles and arresting them.
“Based on a tip-off, we raided the area. We were expecting the group to be armed. But it seems that they were warned of the arrival of the police and they did not have weapons.”
19 cars, 2 bikes seized
Police said 19 four-wheelers and two two-wheelers have been seized. Police have also recovered three fake number plates. An FIR has been registered under section 468 (forgery with intent to cheat) of the Indian Penal Code.
“There have been many instances of celebratory parades to welcome gangsters and criminals. A similar rally was also taken out for Ahmed last year,” Mr Manoj said.
Last month, Shah Rukh Pathan, an accused in the North-East Delhi riots case, received a rousing welcome when he arrived at his residence on four-hour parole to visit his ailing father.
Police said gangsters would not be allowed to create public nuisance. “Delhi Police is keeping a close watch on such cases. We are trying to maintain law and order in the capital. Such criminals will not be allowed to roam freely and organize functions,” the DCP said.