'Action Will Be Taken Irrespective of Community': CP Asthana on Delhi Clashes

Heavy security continues to be deployed in the area where clashes had broken out on Hanuman Jayanti.

Two days after violence broke out in Jahangirpuri during a Hanuman Jayanti procession, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana on Monday, 18 April, said that action will be taken against those involved irrespective of their class, creed, or community.

While 23 people had been arrested earlier, DCP North-west Delhi Usha Rangnani on Monday afternoon said that another accused person named Sheikh Hameed has been nabbed, taking the total number of arrested persons to 24.

Hameed, who is a scrap dealer, revealed during the interrogation that he had supplied bottles that were used for pelting during the incident, Rangnani added.

Earlier, CP Asthana said that 23 people had been arrested from both communities.

"We are thoroughly investigating the case. Action will be taken against any person against whom evidence is found, irrespective of their class, creed, community and religion," Asthana had said.

"Ram Navami processions took place. Hanuman Jayanti processions are being taken out. In different parts of the country, everybody knows, some parts it was peaceful, some parts there were some problem. So definitely we were also careful and we were also prepared to handle. The situation was brought in control under an hour's time."

Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana

When asked about why there was a delay in the forensics team being sent to the site, Asthana said, "It has reached. You talk about that."

Analysis of CCTV footage and digital media is being done, CP Asthana told reporters. He added that social media posts are being monitored, and that action will be taken against those trying to disturb peace and spreading misinformation.

The case over the incident has been transferred to the Crime Branch, which has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), The Indian Express reported on Monday.

Meanwhile, a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team reached the site of the clashes on Monday morning to conduct an investigation.

Heavy security continues to be deployed in the area.

The Case

The Delhi Police, on Sunday, had arrested 21 people in connection with the communal clashes that broke out during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Jahangirpuri on Saturday evening. Two juveniles were also apprehended.

Inspector Rajeev Ranjan, who was deployed in the Jahangirpuri Police Station area on Saturday, said in the First Information Report (FIR) statement that the Hanuman Jayanti procession was underway peacefully, but when it reached near C-Block mosque, a man with about five more people started arguing with those taking part in the procession. Later, stone-pelting erupted from both sides, Ranjan said.