Security personnel stand guard, after clashes broke out between two communities during a Hanuman Jayanti procession on Saturday, at Jahangirpuri in New Delhi, Monday, April 18, 2022.
Highlights
- Delhi Police recovered a sophisticated pistol from Sonu alias Imam alias Yunus
- Case has been registered against Sonu under section 25 of the Arms Act
- The accused has disclosed that he had fired from his pistol during the incident
Heavy deployment of security personnel in violence-hit Jahangirpuri in northwest Delhi will continue till the time normalcy returns, officials said on Tuesday. Clashes broke out between two communities during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Jahangirpuri on Saturday, in which eight police personnel and a local resident got injured. According to police, there was stone-pelting and arson during the clashes and some vehicles were also torched.
On Monday, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana had said that the presence of police personnel in sensitive areas, including Jahangirpuri, will continue till the situation becomes normal. "We have deployed adequate force not only in Jahangirpuri but in other areas also. We will use technology for surveillance and are monitoring the situation to make sure that no untoward incident occurs in the future," he said.
Meanwhile, the road in front of the mosque where the procession was allegedly attacked has been shut and the entire area was cordoned off with barricades by police. Police have also pitched tents near the barricades. Over 500 police personnel and six companies of additional force have been deployed in the area round the clock. A total of 80 tear gas gun parties and water cannons have been deployed. Drones are also being used in sensitive areas for rooftop surveillance, police said. All senior officers have been instructed to be at the spot to avoid any untoward incident, said.
On Monday, a peace march was organised by police along with the members of the Aman Committee in the Jahangirpuri area. The committee appealed to the people of the area to maintain peace and harmony, not to spread and trust rumours or misinformation and to report mischievous activities, police said.
Police said that a sophisticated pistol from the 28-year-old man arrested for allegedly opening fire during the Jahangirpuri violence on April 16. A case has been registered against the accused, Sonu alias Imam alias Yunus, under section 25 of the Arms Act.
"One sophisticated pistol was recovered from Sonu alias Imam alias Yunus's possession in connection with Jahangirpuri violence case. A case under section 25 Arms Act has been registered," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) North-West, Usha Rangnani informed. As per the DCP, the accused has disclosed that he had fired from his pistol near Kushal Chowk during the incident.
A video that the police said is circulating on social media, showed Sonu in a blue kurta opening fire during the incident.
Also Read | Jahangirpuri clash: Petitions in SC seek NIA investigation into violence, court-monitored probe
"A video was being circulated on April 17 on social media showing a man (in blue kurta) opening fire during the violence in Jahangirpuri area on April 16. A police team had gone to his house in CD Park road in his search and for examination of his family members," said Rangnani.
A total of 25 people have been arrested and two juveniles apprehended so far in connection with the incident in which nine people, including eight police personnel and a civilian, were injured.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the city police to take strict action against those involved in the violence. This is the first time since 2020 that Delhi has seen communal tensions at this scale.
In another related development, Delhi Police on Tuesday submitted a preliminary report on Jahangirpuri violence to the Union Home Ministry. According to reports, police called 'riots a criminal conspiracy'.
On Monday, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana while addressing a press conference assured that action will be taken against those found guilty irrespective of their class, creed, community and religion.
Two prime accused - Ansar and Aslam - were sent to police custody till Wednesday by a Delhi Court on Monday. Four other fresh accused of the incident were sent to judicial custody for 14 days.
A day ago, during submission before the court, Delhi Police alleged that the main accused - Ansar and Aslam - got to know about the 'Shobha Yatra' on April 15 and then they hatched this "conspiracy". Delhi Police also said, "We have to go through the CCTV footage, and identify others involved in this case."
Clashes broke out between two communities during a Hanuman Jayanti procession at Jahangirpuri on Saturday, in which eight police personnel and a local resident were injured.
Also Read | Jahangirpuri clashes: Accused Sonu Chikna who fired on cops, arrested
