The Delhi Police has so far arrested 14 people in connection with the violence witnessed during the Hanuman Jayanti Shobha Yatra in Jahangirpuri in Delhi yesterday.
As per FIR, the peaceful procession was moving along smoothly till it approached the Jama Masjid in C block at 6 pm. There an argument broke out, initiated by one Ansar and his companions which quickly escalated into a stone-pelting incident leading to stampede.
The police tried to restore order but a specific segment of the mob intensified the sloganeering and set ablaze some vehicles. Stones were pelted and glass bottles thrown at the procession.
Gun shots were also fired one of which hit a sub-inspector Medha Lal Meena in the hand.
The FIR has been registered under provisions 147 (Rioting), 148 (Armed rioting), 186 (Obstructing duty of public servant), 353 (Assault on public servant), 307 (Attempt to murder), 427 (damage to property), and 436 (Attack by explosives) of the Indian penal code along with section 27 of the Arms Act 1959.
Several videos are viral on social media in which the mob can be seen flashing swords and other weapons along with chanting slogans of Allahu Akbar.
Reports suggest that nine persons were hurt in Saturday’s communal conflicts, including eight police officers and one civilian. One Sub-Inspector was hit by a bullet fired by the rioters. As per the DCP, his condition is stable. Officials are also examining CCTV videos and social media clips to identify suspects.
The area saw heavy police deployment on Sunday morning. Taking note of the event, Union Home Minister Amit Shah talked with the Delhi Police Commissioner and ordered him to keep a close eye on the law and order situation in the region. To prevent any unanticipated eventualities, more forces have been deployed in regions surrounding Jahangirpuri.
Hans Raj Hans, the Bharatiya Janata Party MP from North-West Delhi, paid a visit to Jahangirpuri Saturday night. He said, “I couldn’t sleep; wanted to go & check the situation myself. Union Home Minister is also awake, keeping every minute’s track.”
Local residents say that Jahangirpuri is a hub of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Delhi, especially in C Block and H2 Jhuggis. B Block of Jahangirpuri also has significant Muslim population. The attack took place between Mangal Bazaar and Kushal Cinema in C Block.
According to authorities, the case of the Jahangirpuri incident is being investigated by the Delhi Police’s special cell and crime branch. Ten investigation teams have been constituted to look into the incident. Rakesh Asthana, Commissioner of the Delhi Police, stated that harsh action will be done against rioters and urged civilians not to believe rumours and fake news on social media.
