New Delhi

Delhi police on Monday detained several people, including political party workers, for staging a dharna and blocking the bulldozers in the Shaheen Bagh area of the national capital, where the Municipal Corporation has launched an anti-encroachment drive.

There is a heavy police presence in the area.

Local leaders, including Congress workers, had begun protesting against the Municipal Corporation's proposed demolition drive.

Party leaders reportedly sat in front of a bulldozer. "This is a bulldozer of hatred. It is completely unconstitutional. We will not let this demolition happen," a party leader said.

Another person questioned MC's intention behind the move. "You [BJP] have been ruling MC for the past 15 years. What happened suddenly?," the protestor asked.

People were seen standing atop the bulldozer.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan also reached the spot and was seen speaking to the officials. "Where is encroachment? I have myself removed all the encroachments 2-3 days back," MLA Khan said.

The officials were seen wearing red arm bands so that they can be easily identified if the situation turns volatile.