Delhi erupts in violent clashes; police head constable dies
On Monday, violent clashes broke out in the Bhajanpura, Maujpur and Jaffrabad regions of Delhi between two groups protesting for and against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Reportedly, one police officer has lost his life in the clashes. The violence comes hours ahead of United States President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to the national capital. Here are more details.
Delhi Police head constable sustained injuries amid stone-pelting; died
Delhi Police head constable Ratan Lal died during the clashes in the Gokulpuri region. According to India Today, the cop was trying to pacify protesters when he was hit on the head with stones. He died on his way to the hospital. Separately, on the Jaffrabad-Maujpur road, an unidentified man brandishing a gun reportedly fired eight rounds before being overpowered by the police.
Protesters set houses ablaze; damaged fire tenders
Reportedly, the protesters also resorted to arson during the clashes, setting ablaze at least two houses in Northeast Delhi. In Jaffrabad's Chandbagh area, protesters also damaged a fire tender that had reached the site to douse flames, PTI reported. Several police officers also sustained injuries during the clashes. Reportedly, Shahdara DCP Amit Sharma was among those injured and has been hospitalized.
CrPC Section 144 imposed in 10 locations in Delhi's Northeast
The police resorted to tear gas-shelling and mild lathi-charge to quell protests. Paramilitary forces were also brought in to assist the police. Prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144—banning assembly of four or more people—were issued across ten locations in Delhi's Northeast district. DCP (Northeast) Ved Prakash told ANI that they have spoken to both sides of protesters and the situation is now "calm."
Strict action will be taken against miscreants: Delhi Police
Delhi Police: Section 144 has been imposed in the affected areas of the North East district and strict action will be taken against miscreants and anti-social elements. https://t.co/ja26jwPSUH
— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Delhi L-G assured more police is being deployed: Kejriwal
On Twitter, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the Monday violence as "very distressing," urging the Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal to help restore law and order. In a later tweet, Kejriwal added, "[Baijal] has assured that more police force is being deployed (to Northeast Delhi). Any kind of violence will not be tolerated. I appeal everyone to maintain peace. Violence can bring no solutions."
You can view Kejriwal's tweet here
मैंने अभी LG साहिब से बात की। उन्होंने भरोसा दिलाया कि और पुलिस फ़ोर्स भेजी जा रही है। किसी के भी द्वारा हिंसा बर्दाश्त नहीं की जाएगी। मेरी सभी लोगों से विनती है कि कृपया शांति बनाए रखें। हिंसा से कोई समाधान नहीं निकलेगा। https://t.co/d3biQqr13X
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 24, 2020
Jaffrabad sit-in protest acted as catalyst for violence
The violent clashes in Delhi were fanned by a sit-in protest led by women in Jaffrabad on Saturday night, affecting traffic. Thereafter, the police blocked the road connecting Seelampur to Maujpur and Yamuna Vihar. On Sunday, pro and anti-CAA protesters clashed in the region, pelting stones at each other. The police resorted to tear gas-shelling to contain the situation.
Delhi BJP leader gave 'ultimatum' to police to clear protests
Meanwhile, Delhi BJP leader Kapil Mishra, a controversial figure, had given a three-day "ultimatum" to the Delhi Police to clear the roads. He led a rally in Maujpur warning that his supporters will "hit the streets" once the US President leaves India.
