Hindustan Times (Delhi)

Probe into violence unbiased, say cops

DELHI RIOTS Say 620 Hindus, 683 Muslims among 1,400 arrested

- HT Correspond­ent letters@hindustant­imes.com HT Correspond­ent letters@hindustant­imes.com

nNEWDELHI:DELHI Police registered 750 different first informatio­n reports (FIRS) related to the northeast Delhi riots in February and arrested around 1,400 people, including around 620 Hindus and 683 Muslims, the department said on Saturday.

The department is releasing data on the religious identity of the arrested suspects because of false reports on social media suggesting that the police probe in the riots was biased and that one community was being targeted, Delhi police spokespers­on MS Randhawa said.

Police also said that until Saturday morning, the department has filed charge sheets in 79 riot cases, in which 510 people were charged with offences.

“The 510 persons charged include 205 Hindus and an equal number of Muslims. The cases are being probed by the local police, crime branch, and the special cell. We are releasing the data in this format because of the misinforma­tion on social media,” said Randhawa.

At least 53 people died and 400 were injured when clashes between opponents and supporters of the Citizenshi­p (Amendment) Act acquired a communal colour and turned into rioting between Hindus and Muslims in the northeaste­rn parts of the city in late February

The police, in submission to the courts, have said that the riots were planned and executed by some activists of the anti-caa group who held road blockades across the city. The riots in northeast Delhi were triggered by a clash between pro-caa and anticaa groups near the Jafrabad metro station.

The police’s special cell, which is probing a suspected larger conspiracy behind the riots, has arrested student leaders, members of the Jamia Coordinati­on Committee and activists and accused them of hatching a conspiracy to start the riots.

“We have sufficient evidence

nNEWDELHI: The Delhi Police on Saturday filed a charge sheet in the case of murder of a 27-year-old during the communal riots in northeast Delhi in February.

Rahul Solanki, a civil engineer who worked with the MCD as a contractor, stepped out of his house on the first day of violence, February 24, to buy milk, when he was shot in the neck, the police said. So far, seven men have been arrested in connection with the killing.

Delhi police spokespers­on Anil Mittal said Solanki

to show how these leaders fanned the passion of the citizens by blocking roads. We have messages that they shared, in which they are discussing that riots could break out but continued to hold protests. We are probing the conspiracy and will file a detailed charge sheet later,” said an investigat­ing officer who requested anonymity.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, during was shot around 5pm on February 24 near Shiv Vihar Tiraha. “During probe, it was establishe­d that Solanki had gone to a shop nearby, but was shot on his way.” .

“On the basis of CCTV footages, oral evidences and other technical evidences including Call Detail Records (CDR), some of the accused were identified and seven arrests were made. The arrested accused include one Salman, who fired towards the other group standing near Shiv Vihar Tiraha. A .32 bore pistol used by Salman was also recovered. Efforts are on to identify more accused.”

a hearing on a bail plea by former Jawaharlal Nehru University student Sharjeel Imam, arrested for delivering inflammato­ry speeches during the anticaa protests, the police told the Delhi high court that speeches caused “communal strife and promoted enmity between various religious groups.” The plea is scheduled to come up for hearing on June 10.

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 ?? SANJEEV VERMA/HT ?? A team of forensic and police officials at the site of violence at n
Khajuri Khas in northeast Delhi on February 28.
SANJEEV VERMA/HT A team of forensic and police officials at the site of violence at n Khajuri Khas in northeast Delhi on February 28.

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