In an unprecedented action, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers on Monday began a sit-in near India Gate — being readied for Republic Day celebrations — demanding action against police officials for alleged negligence in two crime-related complaints made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers Somnath Bharti and Rakhi Birla.

Defying prohibitory orders enforced in the high-security area near the national seat of power, Kejriwal, accompanied by six of his ministers, attempted to go to North Block housing the home ministry to lodge a protest.

However, they were stopped near the Rail Bhavan as the nearby Vijay Chowk and the entire Rajpath were sealed for the Republic Day rehearsal.