AAP seeks Bassi's resignation over beef row

The AAP on Wednesday demanded Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi's resignation for "illegally raiding" the Kerala House here over allegations that beef was served there.

"The raid by Delhi Police was completely illegal. Bassi has become a leader of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). He should resign or he should be sacked," Aam Aadmi Party leader Ashutosh told the media.

On Monday, some 20 police officers "raided" the Kerala House after the Hindu Sena alleged that beef (cow meat) was served in its premises. But it turned out that Kerala House only served buffalo meat.

The police action has come in for widespread criticism.

Bassi has denied that Delhi Police "raided" the Kerala House and said his men had done no wrong.

"A case of criminal trespass should be filed against police officers who raided the place because Delhi Police is not the competent authority (to check meat samples)," Ashutosh said.

He said only officials from the Delhi government's veterinary department were authorised to do this task.

Another AAP leader, Somnath Bharti, who heads the Kerala unit, said the party would hold protests in Kerala if its demand for Bassi's ouster was not accepted.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police has detained a Hindu Sena leader for filing a false complaint that cow meat was served at the Kerala House canteen.