Delhi police shuts 9 Metro stations, chaos reigns

Chaos ruled outside Metro stations in central Delhi on Monday as hundreds of people reached the stations unaware that they have been closed due to continuing protests at India Gate against the gang-rape of a young girl.

Nine stations, including the busy Rajiv Chowk, were closed from early morning and people were welcomed there by boards that stated entry or exit to the stations will not be allowed as per instructions from the Delhi police.

Pragati Maidan, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Race Course and Khan Market will remain closed till further orders, according to an advisory issued late on Sunday night by the Delhi Metro.

Radhika, a software professional who works at Parliament Street, said she was unaware that all stations near her office were closed on Monday. She was shocked when the train did not stop at three stations in a row and heaved a sigh of relief when it finally stopped at Rajiv Chowk.

"But I was not allowed to exit from the station. I am stuck inside now. I don't know how to reach my office though it is less than a km from here," she said.

She was not alone; hundreds of passengers also got stranded at the stations.

The stations will remain closed till further orders due to protests at India Gate. The stations have been closed to prevent people from reaching India Gate and other protest sites.

The midnight announcement of closure of Rajiv Chowk Metro station, apart from eight other stations, caught many unawares and people were seen arguing with security personnel to allow them to get out of it.

Eight stations, except Rajiv Chowk, remained closed on Sunday as well. Since offices reopened on Monday and Rajiv Chowk was also shut, hundreds of passengers were stranded.

Some auto drivers sought to take full advantage of the problem and demanded exorbitant fares

"I had to come from Udyog Bhavan to Jantar Mantar. As Rafi Marg was closed, I had to come through Mother Crescent Road. It was 5-6 km but I had to shell out Rs 200. Otherwise it would have come around Rs 40. They are fleecing us. If the police is closing everything, then they should also ensure that auto drivers don't fleece us," said Sanjay Suri, an accountant working in Connaught Place.