Forensic Team Gathers Evidence at Jahangirpuri Violence Site

Meanwhile, a written petition has been filed with the Chief Justice of India, requesting the formation of a commission chaired by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court to conduct an impartial investigation into the violence. 

On April 18th,2022, a forensic team arrived at the Jahangirpuri clash site to investigate the violence that occurred in Delhi on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti during a religious procession. As evidence for further investigation, the team took images and gathered samples. Two days after numerous people, including officers, were hurt in the Jahangirpuri clashes, the Delhi Police has been conducting drone patrols, intense rooftop monitoring in sensitive areas, and meetings with Aman (peace) committee members to preserve law and order in the city. 

“A team of Rapid Action Force has also been deployed to keep a tight vigil on the situation, which is now under control,” police officials told news agency PTI. The Delhi Police have so far apprehended 23 suspects. 

  

In the meantime, a letter petition has been filed with the Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana, requesting that he take suo motu cognizance of the Jahangirpuri violence. To conduct an impartial probe into the violence, Advocate 

Amritpal Singh Khalsa has asked the Supreme Court to exercise its “epistolary jurisdiction” and constitute a committee headed by a sitting judge of the top court. The letter stated that the “Delhi Police investigation so far has been partial, communal, and directly shielding perpetrators of the violence.” 

April 16th, 2022 

It all started on Saturday evening when a Hindutva parade allegedly tried to wave a saffron flag in front of a mosque in the area. 

A procession of Bajrang Dal members on a Shobha Yatra reportedly arrived at the mosque in Jahangirpuri’s Block C at 5 p.m. on the celebration of Hanuman Jayanti, when the event occurred. One of the residents of the area, Salman Khan said that outside the mosque, a mob led by members of the Bajrang Dal attempted to wave the saffron flag. They were dancing to loud music as well. A few women got involved and asked them to leave, which later turned violent and some were injured.  

  

On Sunday, the Delhi Police arrested 21 people in connection with the communal riots. 

Inspector Rajeev Ranjan, who was stationed in the Jahangirpuri Police Station area on Saturday, stated in the First Information Report (FIR) that the Hanuman Jayanti procession began peacefully, but when it arrived near the C-Block mosque, a man with about five more people began arguing with those who were participating in the procession. Stone-pelting erupted later from both sides, according to Ranjan. 

  

On Monday, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana assured that the communal violence in Jahangirpuri, northwest Delhi, would be thoroughly investigated from all angles. The case will be probed from all angles and we will ensure that anyone who participated in the violence, whether directly or indirectly, is brought to book, “the Commissioner said in a media briefing. He stated that the Special Cell’s Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) team has been tasked with conducting a complete investigation of all digital data, identifying the suspects involved, and pursuing legal action against them. The matter has been officially transferred to the Delhi Police’s Crime Branch. 

CP: Asthana informed reporters that CCTV footage and digital media were being analyzed. He also stated that social media posts are being watched and that anybody attempting to disrupt the peace or propagate misinformation will face consequences. 

  

Apart from the national capital, approximately 140 people have been arrested in recent acts of violence in three states: Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. 

  

By Parvathy Pillai 

Source: with inputs from multiple media outlets