Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday spoke to Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana over phone and directed him to take strict action against those involved in the violence at Jahangirpuri. Shah spoke to Asthana after senior police officials presented to him a report on the April 16 incident.
This is the second time Amit Shah has spoken to the police chief since the violence broke out on Saturday during a Hanuman Jayanti procession. Earlier, immediately after the clashes erupted, the home minister had spoken to both Asthana and Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Depender Pathak and reviewed the security situation.
Eight policemen and a civilian were injured as two communities clashed and stones were pelted at each other following an altercation as the Shobha Yatra reached near a mosque in the C Block. Twenty-three people, including two juveniles, have been arrested so far in connection with the incident.
Meanwhile, the police on Monday registered a case against members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal for organising the Hanuman Jayanti procession without taking prior permission.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Northwest Delhi Usha Rangnani said the FIR was registered under IPC Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) against the organisers of the rally and one of them has joined the investigation.
The police has also arrested Soni Chikna, the man caught on camera holding a gun during the violence on Saturday.
During a media briefing in the afternoon, Asthana refuted claims that attempts were made to hoist saffron flags at a mosque during the procession.
"No, there was no attempt to hoist any saffron flag at the mosque during the procession," Asthana said when asked if the clashes broke out after attempts were made by some to hoist the flag.
Several politicians and social media users had alleged that some people tried to hoist a flag on a mosque in Jahangirpuri that led to stone pelting and violence.
"We are analysing the social media and if required those spreading false news, misinformation or tweeting any rumour with an intention to disturb the environment will not be spared and legal action will be taken against them," the commissioner said.
The investigation into the Saturday clashes has been handed over to the Crime Branch and 14 teams have been formed to take it forward, Asthana said, adding that four forensics teams also visited the spot to gather evidence.
Meanwhile, normal life remained impacted as a majority of shops kept their shutters down on Monday in Jahangirpuri. There was heavy police presence and only a few locals were occasionally seen on the roads as life came to standstill in the area.
The usually busy Kaushal chowk dotted by carts of vegetable and fruit sellers, could be seen filled with police personnel and media persons, even as shops downed their shutters and residents rarely ventured out.
