New Delhi:
Members of two communities clashed in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri area last night after stones were allegedly thrown at a Hanuman Jayanti procession.
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Seven people, including six police officers and a civilian, were injured in the stone pelting and clash that followed, police sources said.
Among the injured is Delhi Police Sub-Inspector Medhalal Meena. He suffered a bullet wound in his hand and it is not yet known how he was shot.
Police have arrested 10 people in connection with the stone-shooting and violence. Police sources said more suspects have been identified using CCTV footage and videos posted on social media and attempts are being made to arrest them.
Police have registered a case under sections related to riot, attempted murder and gun law. Ten teams of agents from the Crime Branch and Special Cell have been formed to investigate the case.
According to police sources, preliminary investigations into the violence point to a conspiracy.
Police guarded several sensitive areas last night. Senior police officer Sanjay Sen dismissed rumors of tensions in parts of northeast Delhi, where riots erupted in 2020. Police said there is peace and called on people not to believe rumors circulating on social media.
Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said yesterday that the situation is being closely monitored. “Additional troops have been sent to problem areas and senior officials have been asked to remain in their respective areas to monitor the situation and supervise patrols,” he told DailyExpertNews.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Mr Asthana and Delhi’s Special Commissioner for Police, Law and Order Dependra Pathak and asked them to consider the matter carefully. Sources said a copy of the investigative report will also be sent to the Interior Ministry.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has condemned the stone pelting and called for action against those involved. “Call on everyone to hold hands and keep the peace,” he said on Twitter.
Speaking to reporters in the capital, he said the country cannot make progress without peace. “Everyone must maintain peace and order. There are police and authorities if required. The central government is responsible for maintaining peace here. I also appeal to the people to keep the peace,” he said.