Activist Tehseen Poonawalla Detained Ahead of Protest Against E20 Petrol Policy

Tehseen Poonawalla, a prominent activist, has alleged that he was placed under house arrest by Delhi police just before a planned protest against the government's E20 petrol policy. He shared videos showing police presence outside his home and questioned the legality of his detention. Poonawalla aims to highlight growing public dissatisfaction with E20 petrol, a blend of petrol and ethanol, which has faced criticism for allegedly reducing vehicle mileage and increasing maintenance costs. His situation has sparked discussions on social media, particularly regarding the government's approach to dissent.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2026, 12:33 IST

Detention of Activist Tehseen Poonawalla

Tehseen Poonawalla, an activist, has reported that he was placed under house arrest by Delhi police prior to a planned protest march and hunger strike against the government's E20 petrol policy. Poonawalla, who has been vocal against Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and the use of ethanol-blended fuel, shared several videos on Saturday showing police officers stationed outside his residence. In a tweet, he expressed his frustration, stating, 'A full battalion of Delhi police, including female officers, has confined me! Nitin Gadkari is afraid of ethanol.'

Questioning the Legality of His Detention

In another video, Poonawalla is seen questioning a police officer about the legality of his detention without any documentation. He remarked, 'There are no papers, nothing. I am under house arrest. You are confining me just 15 days before freedom.' The officer responded by stating that the protest march could disrupt law and order, urging him to cooperate.

Public Discontent Over E20 Petrol

Following a month-long protest by the Cockroach Public Party against leaked examination papers, which led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Poonawalla is attempting to capitalize on the growing public dissatisfaction regarding E20 petrol. The government has introduced E20 petrol, a blend of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol, which has faced severe criticism from opposition parties and consumer groups. Many vehicle owners, particularly those with cars manufactured before 2023, claim that using E20 has resulted in decreased mileage and increased maintenance costs.

Social Media Reaction

The @DelhiPolice tells me: I am a great human being but orders from top to house arrest me!#EthanolScam
BETA BADHAO YOJNA
SUGAR DADDY pic.twitter.com/e5PvEaydIa
— Tehseen Poonawalla Official 🇮🇳 (@tehseenp) August 1, 2026