New Delhi: Communal violence erupted in Jahangirpuri, northwest Delhi, following a Shobha Yatra organized to commemorate Hanuman Jayanti on Saturday. Stones were hurled in the vicinity, according to authorities, and the scene remained heated until late at night.
While no killing happened Saturday, authorities mentioned that ten to twelve people were hurt, including six officers. They’d been transported to the hospital and were still recovering. This is the first communal violence in the national capital since the North-East Delhi riots in February 2020, which killed 53 people and wounded many more.
Following the incident, police in all 14 districts were placed on high alert, with senior officers being dispatched to the scene. “In light of the communal situation in Jahangirpuri, the Commissioner of Police for Delhi has ordered that all officers up to the rank of Special Commissioners of Police from both zones be in the field and ensure that the communal situation in Delhi is not disrupted. The remaining cops will also be on high alert.”
A dispute between two communities erupted during the yatra, according to police. “The situation worsened, and both sides began throwing stones at each other. They vandalized public property and set fire to vehicles, according to a senior police officer.
According to police, senior officers went to the scene and more troops were summoned. “Police attempted to control the throng, which resulted in many policemen being injured,” an officer alleged.”.
The area had been cordoned off, roads had been barricaded, and cops in riot gear had been deployed in huge numbers on Saturday night. Glass pieces, bricks, and stones covered the streets. The road was littered with the charred remains of a scooter.
When the fights erupted, auto parts mechanic Akash Thakur (20) claimed he had parked his bike and was on his way to join the Shobha Yatra, which was moving through Block B near Kushal Cinema. “I ran for my life. When I returned to the location where I had parked my bike, I discovered it has been stolen. We were enjoying a lovely celebration,” Thakur said to the police.
Mastan (27), a Block C resident, stated he was out purchasing fruits at the time. He stated that those at the gathering shouted slogans like “Bharat mein rehna hoga toh Jai Shri Ram kehna hoga” and “Bharat mein rehna hoga toh Jai Shri Ram kehna hoga.”
He further said that some persons waving saffron flags attempted to enter a mosque and that the violence escalated since the police presence in the area is often low. “Both sides pelted each other with stones. “We begged for peace and tried to put an end to the conflict,” Mastan said.
As he left the mayhem, cab driver Ajay Kumar (27) stated he injured his leg. “I had come to see how my parents were doing when I heard there had been a fight.” The mob pelted me with stones, and while I managed to flee the area, the mob wrecked my Swift Dzire automobile. “How am I going to make a livelihood now?” he wondered.
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, denounced the violence and called for calm. “Stone pelting during a Shobha Yatra in Jahangirpuri, Delhi, is heinous. Those who are responsible should face severe consequences. He tweeted, “I urge everyone – hold each other’s hand and maintain peace.”
Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, according to Kejriwal, was contacted. The Chief Minister stated, “He pledged that all means are being taken to guarantee peace and that the guilty will not be spared.”
“L-G has denounced the occurrences of violence and stone-pelting in the National Capital as sad and emphasized that none behind these actions would be spared,” the LG’s office said in a news statement. He and CP Delhi assessed the situation and urged the public to “keep the peace…and help with the police in upholding law and order…”
According to BJP leader Kapil Mishra, the happenings in Jahangirpuri should be handled as a terrorist strike. He said that the neighbourhood had Bangladeshi infiltrators and that individuals from the neighbourhood had been mobilized for the 2020 Delhi riots,” he stated.
“On Hanuman Jayanti, “there was stone pelting in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri,” Manoj Tiwari, a BJP MP from North East Delhi, claimed. This tragedy happened out of nowhere; it is the result of a conspiracy. A police investigation should be launched right away, and the perpetrators should face the worst punishment possible.
Though things are beginning to normalize, there should be a comprehensive investigation into who the perpetrators are and where the stones originated from… Their homes, as well as their IDs, should be searched for firearms. I am confident that multiple incidents are being perpetrated as part of a conspiracy. I’d also want to remind Chief Minister Kejriwal that this is not the time to escape responsibility, but rather to work together and take action to punish the perpetrators. Please keep the peace. ”
The violence, according to Delhi BJP head Adesh Gupta, was “not a coincidence but a massive plot.” “The perpetrators… must be punished, and Delhi Police will make sure it happens.” I’ll also chat with the Home Minister.
However, the issue arises as to why Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are dwelling unlawfully in significant numbers in numerous unauthorized Delhi colonies — whether it is Jahangirpuri or Jamuna Paar — and why the Delhi government is providing them with power and water connections. The Delhi government must explain why it is offering security to such individuals. ”
“In today’s incident in the NW District, the situation is under control, “the Delhi Police Commissioner remarked on Twitter. In Jahangirpuri and other vulnerable neighborhoods, sufficient extra force has been deployed. Senior officers have been ordered to remain in the field to monitor the law-and-order situation and patrol. Rioters will face severe consequences. Citizens are urged not to believe rumors and false information spread on social media.”
Edited By: Khushi Thakur
Published By: Mohammed Anees
