Jahangirpuri clashes: Delhi police arrest 20 and apprehend two juveniles

The Delhi Police has arrested 20 people over the violence during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in the city’s Jahangirpuri area, including the “main conspirators” behind the clashes and another person who allegedly fired a bullet that hit a sub-inspector, officials said on Sunday. Two juveniles have also been apprehended in connection with the incident, they said. Police said they have also recovered a pistol from one of the accused—Md Aslam (21), a resident of a slum cluster in Jahangirpuri’s CD Park, which he allegedly used during the commission of a crime on Saturday evening.

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They said there was stone-pelting and arson during the clashes between two communities that left eight police personnel and a local injured. Some vehicles were also torched. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Usha Rangnani said an FIR was registered on Saturday under Indian Penal Code sections, including 307 (attempt to murder), 120 B (criminal conspiracy), and 147 (rioting), and provisions of the Arms Act.

“In total, 20 persons have been arrested and two juveniles have been apprehended. Three firearms and five swords have been seized from the possession of accused persons,” she said. The officials said the case has been transferred to the Crime Branch which with the help of the district police will carry out further investigation into the case.

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The 18 others who have been arrested have been identified as Zahid (20), Shahzad (33), Mukhtyaar Ali (28), and Mohd. Ali (18), Amir (19), Aksar (26), Noor Alam (28), Zakir (22), Akram (22), Imtyaz (29), Mohd Ali (27), Ahir (35), Sheikh Saurabh (42), Suraj (21), Neeraj (19), Suken (45), Suresh (43), Sujeet Sarkar (38), all residents of Jahangirpuri.

Earlier, Special Commissioner (Law and Order-Zone 1) Deependra Pathak said, “Fourteen persons have been arrested so far and investigation is on. Further process of identification is being done based on CCTV and other video footage.”  On Sunday morning, there was heavy police deployment in the Jahangirpuri area where the clashes took place. Flag marches were also being carried out along with foot and motorcycle patrol. Drones were also used in the process to oversee the activities and ensure no untoward incidents takes place.

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According to the police, more than 50 personnel were deployed during the procession. A team of Rapid Action Force has also been deployed to keep a tight vigil on the situation which is now under control, Rangnani said. “Facial recognition software is being used to identify those involved in creating the ruckus. All mobile footage and CCTV cameras installed in and around the vicinity are being scanned to identify the culprits and trace them,” said another police officer.