The Special Cell of the Delhi Police conducted a lengthy interrogation of former bureaucrat Ashish Joshi on Wednesday, lasting approximately nine hours. This questioning revolved around social media posts he allegedly made concerning the Election Commission of India (ECI). Following his release in the evening, police personnel escorted him home after a crowd gathered outside the Counter Intelligence (CI) unit’s office in New Friends Colony, advocating for his release.
According to police sources, Joshi, who previously served as the Controller of Communications within the Department of Telecommunications, was taken into custody from Chanakyapuri for questioning related to a case filed two days prior. This case was initiated by the CI unit under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which addresses provocative actions that could incite a riot.
“Joshi had made recent posts on social media regarding the ECI. After an FIR was filed, we opted to question him to verify the information in his statements. During his time at the office, he was interrogated and presented with the social media messages in question. Once we confirmed the details, we decided to release him,” a police source explained.
In the evening, a gathering of individuals formed outside the CI unit’s office. Police officials indicated that an Additional Commissioner of Police decided to personally ensure Joshi’s safe return home by providing him transportation in a police vehicle.
The situation became public knowledge on Wednesday morning when Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit posted on X, stating that Joshi had been taken by two police officers while he was out for a morning walk at Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri.
“This morning, my close friend and someone who helps me connect with civil society, Ashish Joshi @bismil_prasad (retired Additional Secretary), was taken by two police constables from Nehru Park. I learned of this after his wife contacted me. We have been trying to locate him since 10 am with no success. We are quite concerned, and @DelhiPolice @CPDelhi must clarify his whereabouts as soon as possible,” he wrote.
Dikshit also mentioned that Joshi attempted to call him that morning, but he was unable to answer. When he returned the call, Joshi’s phone was off, he claimed. “An eyewitness who was walking with him informed the family that two police personnel approached and stated they needed to take Ashish for questioning regarding a recent tweet,” Dikshit asserted in a video statement.
Reports indicate that Joshi was brought to the police office around 10:30 am and released at approximately 7 pm. Upon returning home, he posted on X: “Just got back home. Delhi Special Cell dropped me home. Details later.”
When contacted for further comment, Joshi indicated he would return the call later.
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