Delhi violence: A school burnt and damaged after it was set on fire by a mob in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Express photo/Praveen Khanna)
Delhi Violence HIGHLIGHTS: The Delhi police Thursday transferred the probe in the northeast Delhi violence to the crime branch and constituted two Special Investigation Teams (SITs) for the same. While no fresh incidents of violence were reported today, the death toll rose to 38 and at least 200 are reportedly injured. The teams will be headed Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) Joy Tirkey and Rajesh Deo.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addressing a press briefing earlier in the evening, said the “security situation in the country must not be politicised”. “We will ensure punishment to the perpetrators of violence and no one will be spared, irrespective of whichever party they belong to. SDM officers would be available for people in affected areas. Rs 10 lakh would be extended to affected people, Rs 1 lakh ex-gratia and Rs 5 lakh would be granted in case of death of a minor,” Kejriwal said.
Reacting to a delegation of Congress leaders meeting President Kovind seeking normalcy in violence-hit Delhi, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar addressed the media and continued his stance alleging that Congress and AAP were “politicising the issue”. The Delhi High Court granted four weeks time to Centre to file response in the plea seeking registration of FIRs against BJP leaders for making provocative statements that led to riots in northeast Delhi. The matter has been adjourned for April 13.
Delhi violence live updates: A mob attacks a person at Khajuri Khas crossing in Delhi on Tuesday. (Express Photo: Praveen Khanna)
The Delhi Police has urged people to submit any information or activity captured on mobile phones or cameras in connection with the northeast region violence within seven days. They have appealed to people to either give their statements, footage or picture in possession at the DCP office or contact on mobile numbers 8750871221, 8750871227. It further read that the identity of the witness will be "kept secret".
No major incident was reported from the northeast district of Delhi in the last 36 hours, the Home Ministry said Thursday night and added that Section 144 would be relaxed four the next hours tomorrow. The ministry issued a statement around 10 PM after Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation in the violence-hit parts of the city in a meeting with seniors officials and the top police brass. The Ministry also said that 514 suspects were either arrested or detained for questioning.
Aam Aadmi Party Councillor Tahir Hussain has been suspended by the party until probe into the death of the IB officer in the Delhi violence case is completed.
?????? ????? ????? ??? ?????? ????? ????? ?? ???? ???? ???? ?? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ??????? ?? ???? ???
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 27, 2020
India on Thursday "encouraged" the UN's human rights body to develop a "better understanding and appreciation" of the freedoms and rights that are guaranteed and protected in a vibrant democracy like India before coming to any conclusions on issues like the amended citizenship law and the Kashmir issue. India's strong statement came after UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Thursday voiced "great concern" over India's amended citizenship law and reports of "police inaction" in the face of communal attacks in Delhi, urging political leaders to prevent violence. (PTI)
Aam Aadmi Party councillor Tahir Hussain on Thursday was charged with murder in connection with the death of Intelligence Bureau (IB) employee, Ankit Sharma, whose body was recovered from Delhi’s Chand Bagh amid violence in the area over the Citizenship Amendment Act. Hussain has been booked under section 302 IPC (Punishment for murder) at Dayalpur police station. Sharma’s family accused Hussain of being behind the death. The councillor, however, has denied the allegations as “baseless” and called for an impartial probe. Read full story
For 30-year-old Shabana Parveen, it was nothing short of a miracle —giving birth to a heathy baby boy after surviving a murderous attack by rioters who kicked and assaulted her and her husband in northeast Delhi's Karawal Nagar. Narrating their ordeal, Parveen's mother-in-law Nashima told PTI, "They hurled religious slurs, beat up my son. Some of them even kicked my daughter-in-law in the abdomen...as I went to protect her, they came charging at me... We thought we would not survive that night. But with god's grace we somehow managed to escape from the clutches of the rioters." "We rushed Parveen to a nearby hospital but doctors there asked us to go to Al-hind Hospital where she delivered a baby boy on Wednesday," she added. (PTI)
Voicing "great concern" over India's amended citizenship law and reports of "police inaction" in the face of communal attacks in Delhi, UN human rights chief Thursday urged political leaders to prevent violence. "Indians in huge numbers, and from all communities, have expressed - in a mostly peaceful manner - their opposition to the Act, and support for the country's long tradition of secularism," UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet was quoted as saying by PTI. She also spoke about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The death toll due to northeast Delhi violence has now climbed to 38 as one more death has been reported in GTB hospital. 34 people in total have died at GTB hospital, one in Jag Pravesh hospital and 3 in Lok Nayak hospital.
BJP ally and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Thursday demanded an "impartial probe" into the Delhi violence, which claimed at least 37 lives, and said stringent action should be taken against the guilty irrespective of their caste and religion. "I strongly condemn the violence seen in Delhi over the last few days. It happened when a foreign guest (US President Donald Trump) was in the country. An impartial probe should be conducted, and stringent action be taken against the guilty irrespective of their caste and religion," Paswan tweeted in Hindi.
Offering help in ensuring to restore peace in northeast Delhi, CPI(M) wrote a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and urged him to convene an all-party meeting to "unitedly ensure communal harmony"in the city. The communal violence over the amended citizenship law in northeast Delhi has claimed 37 lives so far, leaving nearly 200 people injured. "We write to assure you of our Party's cooperation in efforts to bring peace and communal harmony to Delhi," said the letter written by CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat and its Delhi State Committee Secretary K M Tewari.
Delhi police transfers northeast Delhi violence case to Crime Branch, two special investigation teams to probe.
M S Randhawa, Delhi Police PRO said that the situation in the national capital is getting normal. "No incident took place today. Adequate forces have been deployed. 48 FIRs registered so far, more FIRs are being registered as we are getting more info. 350 Aman committee meetings have been held so far," he said. He also assured that the police will address all the individual cases and share the details as the investgation progresses. "We will address all the individual cases. Investigation is going on. We have multiple footages. As the investigation progresses in all the cases, we will share the details. We are investigating from all angles."
Delhi Chief Minister Thursday said that any person found guilty of inciting violence in the national capital should be awarded stringent punishment, irrespective of the party he or she belongs to. Kejriwal also said that the punishment should be doubled if the accused is from his party.
Replying to a question on AAP councillor’s Tahir Hussain’s alleged involvement in the violence, he said, “Police is not under me or I would have. Be it people from AAP, BJP or Congress, those who fanned the communal fire, those who orchestrated riots, should all be punished even if it is someone from my cabinet.” Read full story
BSP Supremo Mayawati Thursday urged a Supreme Court-supervised probe into the communal violence in parts of northeast Delhi and asked Centre and AAP government to pitch in together in order to ensure compensation for the loss suffered during the riots. "It is very sad and condemnable," Mayawati was quoted as saying by PTI. She also likened the violence with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and alleged that under the garb of violence, dirty politics was being played by parties.
Questioning AAP Councillor Tahir Hussain's alleged involvement in the death of an Intelligence Bureau officer, BJP leader Kapil Mishra said, "No question is being asked to people who are talking about dividing country or those on whose terrace petrol bombs were found. But someone who only requested for road to be cleared as it was causing inconvenience to 35 lakh people is being called a terrorist."
Nearly three dozen CRPF personnel have donated blood at the GTB Hospital here to supplement its bank in view of the injured in the Delhi communal clashes being admitted to the facility, officials said. They said a contingent of 50 personnel of the paramilitary were sent to the hospital on Tuesday, of whom 34 donated blood while the rest were asked to remain on standby. "The donation was made in order to supplement the blood bank of the GTB Hospital where fatal and non-fatal casualties of the Delhi riots were being admitted since Monday," a senior official of the force said. (PTI)
Shiromani Akali Dal MP Naresh Gujral said on Thursday that the Delhi Police's "inaction" towards protecting the lives and properties of minorities in the national capital is "reminiscent" of what happened during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The lawmaker, whose party is a BJP ally, said no one would want a repeat of 1984. Speaking to PTI after shooting off a letter to Delhi Police chief Amulya Patnaik, Gujral, the son of former prime minister I K Gujral, said that minorities in certain parts of the city are "frightened". (PTI)
Warning that the "security situation in the country must not be politicised", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a host of compensation measures. "We will ensure punishment to the perpetrators of violence and no one will be spared, irrespective of whichever party they belong to. SDM officers would be available for people in affected areas. Rs 10 lakh would be extended to affected people, Rs 1 lakh ex-gratia. Rs 5 lakh would be granted in case of death of a minor," Kejriwal told the media.
"The Delhi violence has affected everyone, Hindus and Muslims alike and lot of people have been injured. Police Constable Ratan Lal died and so did an Intelligence Bureau officer. This does not benefit anyone. I visited various violence-affected areas today and curfew is imposed in most parts. We have decided to take steps to ensure injured people are given free treatment, not only in govt but also private hospitals under the Farishta scheme. Delhi govt will reimburse the expenses of those who will be getting treated in private hospitals. In curfew-imposed areas, Delhi government with the help of NGOs is supplying food to such areas. We are also starting helpline numbers to get in touch," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addressed the media.
The Ministry of External Affairs reacting to Delhi violence, said at the weekly press briefing, "The Prime Minister has appealed for peace already and agencies are working on the ground." On internal security issues during Donald Trump's India visit, Raveesh Kumar said: India-US relations enjoys a bipartisan support. It differs from country to country. You saw the visit for yourself."
Special Police Commissioner for Law and Order, SN Shrivastava, who was appointed yesterday visited violence-affected Khajoori Khaas in North East Delhi and interacted with the locals.
AAP councillor Tahir Hussain on Thursday denied any involvement in the riots or the killing of an Intelligence Bureau staffer whose family accused him of being behind the murder, saying these are "baseless accusations". He called for an impartial probe into the incident and said action should be taken against the guilty. "It is wrong to target me. I and my family have nothing to do with it," Hussain said. The AAP leader also demanded strict action against BJP leaders responsible for giving inflammatory speeches. (PTI)
CBSE has postponed class 10 and 12 exams scheduled on February 28, 29 in violence-hit northeast Delhi. The board, however, maintained that there would be no change in exam schedule across Delhi from March 2 onwards. It further sought details from schools of students who were unable to appear for exams in violence-affected areas in northeast Delhi, adding that fresh exams would be conducted for them.
"Aam Aadmi Party MLAs should have worked for peace, instead Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal identified riot victims by religion in Assembly. Attempts to instigate violence were made for 2 months, Sonia Gandhi gave call for 'fight to the finish' at rally in December," Javadekar said while addressing the media and added that peace had been restored and probe speeded up to ensure arrests were made. (PTI)
Immediately after a delegation of Congress leaders met President Kovind to seek normalcy in violence-hit Delhi, Union Minister addressed the media and continued his stance alleging that Congress and AAP were "politicising the issue".
"Congress yesterday demanded Home Minister's resignation and today met the President, they are trying to politicise the issue. Why is it that Congress decides to maintain selective silence over such issues? They also instigated the crowds with slogans like "Iss paar ya uss paar" but no one talks about that. Situation is under control, it is the duty of all political parties to ensure peace," Javadekar said.
The high court agreed to make Union of India a party in the case and granted the central government four weeks to file a counter-affidavit in the case.
Meanwhile, fresh clashes were reported in Shiv Vihar this morning. One Nahil was admitted in Jag Pravesh hospital with a bullet wound on his leg. Two-to-three injured persons were also brought to the hospital. Nahil was discharged after treatment. A godown, a couple of shops and a motorcycle were allegedly set on fire between 7 am and 9 am, locals claimed.
Advocate Colin Gonsalves told the court: "'Go and Kill' has become the favourite slogan of a particular political party. These attackers are also participating in the rallies held by these political leaders. You can have strong protests and society can remain peaceful. However, these slogans disrupted everything. People were asked to go and kill. The most evil thing to do is to preach hatred which resulted in multiple deaths. A norm is set where properties are being put on fire. These videos of hate speech have been watched by everyone in the country. If these hate speeches have resulted in murder, these leaders should be booked for murder, and not just for making hate speeches. These persons are very highly placed leaders in the ruling party. If they can say such things, what can we expect from ordinary people."
The Centre told the court that it would not be conducive at this stage to register FIRs against BJP leaders and others for making provocative statements. SG Tushar Mehta said the FIR will be done at the appropriate stage and urge for more time so that normalcy is restored in the capital.
Appearing for Delhi government, advocate Rahul Mehra told the court: "Registering of an FIR is just the first step towards an investigation. It can always be canceled later. The paramount consideration today is the well being of citizens, all of them are not here; they are suffering."
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta began by saying that the "petitioner doesn't have the luxury to point out only a few videos (of hate speeches). He also argued that the Union of India should be a party to this case. He also sought more time to file a response as, according to him, the situation is not "conducive".
A division bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Har Shankar have started hearing the pleas, seeking registration of FIR against four BJP leaders and others for provocative statements leading to multiple riots and mob attacks in north-east Delhi over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
Court no.1 of Delhi High Court is fully occupied by lawyers ahead of the hearing at 2:15 pm, on a plea seeking registration of FIR against four BJP leaders and others for making provocative statements. Meanwhile, more petitions have been filed in court. A plea seeking an FIR against Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan for alleged hate speech has also been filed by Lawyers Voice.
Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal today appointed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and three others to represent Delhi Police in cases related to the violence that broke out on Sunday.
"What is particularly worrying is that an atmosphere of sectarian hate and communal tensions has been spread and deliberately cultivated by certain individuals and forces. This violence has taken place over the course of four days, but you are aware that the seeds of this division have been sown by deliberately made inflammatory remarks of BJP leaders in the run up to (and even after) the Delhi elections and a calculated design to foment hate and division amongst the citizens of this country," the memorandum read.
"Second, there was clearly a shocking and, in this day and age, unpardonable failure of intelligence agencies leading up to these heart-breaking events. Was there any information provided which could have helped prevent escalation of violence or was it not acted upon by the Home Ministry? Third, what was the strength of the police force deployed on the night of Sunday when there were clear indications that violence will intensify further? This is important because the forces on the ground were clearly inadequate to quell the situation, which has continued to claim more lives since. In fact, why were additional security forces not deployed immediately by the Home Minister when it was clear that the situation was beyond the control of the Delhi police?" the memorandum read.
In the memorandum to the President, Congress said, "Delhi, specifically parts of North East Delhi, have been gripped by a wave of violence that has only grown in intensity with each passing day. Instead of taking active steps to remedy or diffuse the situation, the Central Government as also the newly elected Delhi Government, have remained mute spectators as completely mindless rage, designed violence and organised looting of property has continued unabated. This chaos, which is unprecedented in scale and tone, gives rise to several questions. First, where was the Home Minister and what was he preoccupied with since last Sunday that he was unable, apparently, to give his attention to these grave events? For that matter, the Delhi Chief Minister, and the newly elected Delhi Government was also completely missing from the scene."
Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi told reporters, "We handed over the demands to President Kovind in the memorandum. The Centre and Delhi government were mute spectators to the violence which has claimed several lives. Businesses have also fallen prey to looting. President said he will take cognisance of our demands; we feel fairly satisfied." She also reiterated the party's demand for removal of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Congress delegation led by Sonia Gandhi met President Kovind on Thursday.
"We called upon President to suggest to him that what has happened in the last four days in Delhi is a matter of great concern and a matter of national shame in which at least 34 people have died and 200 people are injured, it is a reflection of the total failure of the central government," Manmohan Singh told reporters.
After submitting the memorandum to the President, former prime minister Manmohan Singh told reporters, "Violence is a matter of national shame."
A 13-year-old girl, who had gone to school to take an examination in the Khajuri Khas area three days ago, went missing, police said. The girl, a Class 8 student, lived with her parents in Sonia Vihar suburb and had gone to her school, some 4.5 km from their home, Monday morning but has not returned since, they said on Wednesday. Her father, who deals in readymade garments, told PTI, "I was supposed to pick her up from school at 5.20 pm. But I got caught in the violence that unfolded in our area. My daughter is missing since then." A police officer said a "missing person" FIR has been registered and search was on to find the girl.
Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, and other party leaders arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan to submit a memorandum to President Kovind today.
The death toll in the Delhi violence further rose to 33 today.
"The Party, which is the private property of one family, has no right to lecture about objectionable speeches. The family and it’s cronies have routinely used the harshest words against the Courts, the Army, the CAG, the PM and the people of India," Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted.
Taking a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the transfer, Ravi Prasad Shankar said, "The Loya judgement has been well settled by the Supreme Court. Those raising questions do not respect the judgment of the Apex Court pronounced after elaborate arguments. Does Rahul Gandhi consider himself above even the Supreme Court? We respect independence of judiciary. Record of Congress in compromising independence of judiciary, superseding judges even of Supreme Court during Emergency is well known."
On comments made by the United States on the Delhi violence, a MEA spokesperson said, “We have seen comments made by USCIRF, sections of the media and a few individuals regarding recent incidents of violence in Delhi. These are factually inaccurate and misleading, and appear to be aimed at politicising the issue. Our law enforcement agencies are working on the ground to prevent violence and ensure restoration of confidence and normalcy. Senior representatives of the Government have been involved in that process. The Prime Minister has publicly appealed for peace and brotherhood. We would urge that irresponsible comments are not made at this sensitive time."
"By politicising a routine transfer, Congress has yet again displayed its scant regard for the judiciary. People of India have rejected Congress Party and hence it is hell-bent on destroying the very institutions India cherishes by constantly attacking them," Ravi Shankar added.
Amid criticism over the transfer of Justice Muralidhar, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today said that the decision was taken on the recommendation of a Supreme Court collegium and that a well-settled process was followed. "Transfer of Hon’ble Justice Muralidhar was done pursuant to the recommendation dated 12.02.2020 of the Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of India. While transferring the judge consent of the judge is taken. The well-settled process have been followed," he tweeted.
"Justice Muralidhar was transferred overnight. The country is no longer surprised at the brazenness, high-handedness of the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah govt to shield those who have on record given hate speeches," Surjewala said.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala is now addressing the media on the transfer of Justice Muralidhar, who had ordered an FIR against BJP leaders who made hate speeches.
The death toll in the Delhi violence rose to 32 on Thursday.
"Modi government's new ‘hit & run’ show! Objective - Stifle the judiciary. Aim - Save the perpetrators of hate," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi also took a swipe at the government over the transfer of Justice Muralidhar. "Remembering the brave Judge Loya, who wasn’t transferred," he tweeted.
On the transfer of Delhi High Court judge Justice Muralidhar, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra today said, "The midnight transfer of Justice Muralidhar isn’t shocking given the current dispensation, but it is certainly sad and shameful. Millions of Indians have faith in a resilient and upright judiciary, the government’s attempts to muzzle justice and break their faith are deplorable."
Another victim succumbed to injuries at the Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) hospital on Thursday, taking the death toll to 28.
In the wake of the riots that have claimed 27 lives in the national capital so far, Congress is scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday. “The tragic events since last Sunday have a history, design and pattern. It was evident even during the Delhi elections. Several leaders of the BJP made inflammatory statements clearly intended to create an atmosphere of fear and hate. The last of these statements was made on Sunday, when a BJP leader gave an ultimatum of three days to the Delhi Police and warned that ‘after three days don’t tell us anything’,” the CWC said in its resolution on Wednesday. The party will also hold a press conference at 10 am, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said.
A day after US lawmakers reacted sharply to the violence in the Indian capital, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders accused US President Donald Trump of failing on the issue of human rights. Slamming the US president, Sanders said the Trump's statement regarding the violence in New Delhi during his India visit was a "failure of leadership". Asked about incidents of violence during his India visit, the US president had said, "As far as the individual attacks, I heard about it, but I didn't discuss that with him (Modi). That's up to India." Reacting to the issue, Sanders on Wednesday tweeted, "Over 200 million Muslims call India home. Widespread anti-Muslim mob violence has killed at least 27 and injured many more. Trump responds by saying 'That's up to India'. This is a failure of leadership on human rights."
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, along with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP leader Gopal Rai, visited riot-affected Shiv Vihar in Northeast Delhi on Wednesday evening. Around 7 pm, it was announced that the CM would visit some of the riot-affected areas in the capital. Before heading to Shiv Vihar, Kejriwal, along with Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, held a meeting with the DCP (Northeast) and other senior police officers to get an update about the situation in the violence-stricken areas. At Shiv Vihar, the CM met with the area’s residents and enquired if the situation was better in their locality. He spoke to several locals, and lent them a ear as they vented about the violence that had transpired. While conversing with a local, the CM asked if the violence had settled down, to which the residents informed that they are trying to help each other.