Political activist Tehseen Poonawalla alleged that Delhi Police placed him under house arrest at his Greater Kailash residence on Saturday. Police officers stopped him from leaving his house roughly 30 minutes before his scheduled departure for a protest against the Centre’s E20 fuel policy.
Poonawalla had announced a solo walk from APJ Abdul Kalam Marg to Gandhi Smriti. He planned to observe a silent vow (maun vrat) and a day-long hunger strike at the site.
Activist Questions Detention Without Written Orders
Poonawalla posted several video clips on social media platform X showing police personnel, including women officers, standing outside his apartment door. In the recordings, he repeatedly requested an official written order or legal detention warrant.
“There are no papers and no official documents. I am under house arrest fifteen days before Independence Day,” Poonawalla told officers on camera. He also alleged that authorities deployed internet jammers near his flat, preventing journalists outside from transmitting live updates.
Police officers at the scene stated that they acted to maintain public peace. Officers told Poonawalla that thousands of citizens could join his march, creating a potential law and order disruption in the capital.
Opposition to Mandatory E20 Ethanol Blending
Poonawalla announced the solo walk after police previously denied permission for his group’s “Gaadi March” toward Parliament. The activist has been leading a campaign against the mandatory rollout of E20 petrol, which contains 20 percent ethanol blended with 80 percent conventional fuel.
Poonawalla and his campaign group, Team Bharat, presented key consumer demands to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. 1- Availability of Conventional Fuel: Fuel stations must continue selling pure petrol, E5, and E10 blends so drivers can choose fuel compatible with older engines. 2- Fair Pricing Structure: Ethanol-blended E20 fuel should carry a discounted price reflecting its lower production costs and reduced energy density. 3- Affordable Pure Petrol: Unblended petrol currently sells for around ₹165–₹170 per liter, which Poonawalla criticized as unreasonable for ordinary motorists.
Growing Consumer and Political Backlash
The central government launched the ethanol blending program to lower greenhouse gas emissions and cut expensive crude oil imports. However, vehicle owners and transport operators report that high ethanol blends reduce fuel mileage and corrode internal engine components in non-E20-compliant cars and motorcycles.
Political pressure continues to mount over the policy. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal announced a protest march to the Prime Minister’s residence, while opposition parties have demanded policy revisions to protect vehicle owners from unexpected repair costs and lower fuel efficiency.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
