It is already the capital’s biggest toll in a post-Partition Hindu-Muslim communal riot

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal:

There are 4 subdivisions there. Normally there would have been 4 SDMs, but now we’ve appointed 18 SDMs there. They’re going among the public and talking to them. We’re distributing food on a large scale.

We’ve made arrangements for accommodation at our 9 Rain Baseras, & local community centers for people whose houses are completely burnt down or those who can’t go back to their home. If needed, we’ll also arrange temporary tents for people.

• Police have arrested 514 people for deadly Hindu-Muslim violence that broke out in the capital, the government said.
• Delhi Lt-Governor Anil Baijal visited violence-affected parts of North East district, today.
• IPS officer SN Shrivastava appointed Delhi Police Commissioner, replaces Amulya Patnaik, who was on extension for a month, retiring today. SN Shrivastava posted with Delhi Police as Special CP is given additional charge of the post of Commissioner of Police, Delhi with effect from 1^st
• A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted under Delhi Police Crime Branch and all the FIRs have been transferred to the SIT.
• The Delhi Police has transferred the northeast Delhi riots probe to the crime branch, and the cases will be probed by two Special Investigation Teams (SITs), officials said on Thurs.
  • The SITs will be headed by deputy commissioners of police (DCP) Joy Tirkey and Rajesh Deo. Delhi Lt Guv, Anil Baijal held a review meeting today regarding the law & order situation in East, NE Delhi. It was attended by Addl Chief Secy. (Home), Govt of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), Special Commissioners of Police (Law and Order) along with other offices.
  • A team of Delhi Forensic Science Laboratory collects evidence from municipal councilor Tahir Hussain’s factory in Chang Bagh area. Yesterday, Aam Aadmi Party suspended him from its primary membership.
  • SN Shrivastava, on Hussain: “We are trying to bring every culprit to justice and we are working on it”.
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): No major incident has been reported in the last 36 hours in any affected Police Station of District North-East. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 will be relaxed for a total of 10 hours today in view of the improvement in the ground situation
• MHA: So far, 100 FIRs, pertaining to clashes, loss of lives/property, etc. have already been registered & further FIRs would be registered in due course. Police has detained/arrested 514 suspects for questioning so far. Further arrests would be effected in course of investigation.
  • DCP (Southeast): We had received info through social media that a large group of people will come to Shaheen Bagh from Madanpur Khadar on Mar 1.
  • We took it seriously, in light of the current situation. We came to know that locals will join in carry out a peaceful protest.
  • Nearly 3 dozen CRPF personnel have donated blood at GTB Hospital to supplement its bank in view of injured in Delhi communal clashes being admitted to facility: Officials
  • We called a meeting of Aman Committee at different locations today, then all the stakeholders were called here at the DCP office. Everyone agreed that they will stay peaceful and the protest will be postponed indefinitely.
• • “There is a little bit of tension here but on the whole the atmosphere is peaceful. I’ll come again tomorrow “.

  How a fight at a chicken corner in Karawal Nagar on Sunday likely triggered Delhi riots-ToI

  The question remains as to what triggered the deadliest clashes in Delhi in decades?

  • As propagated by various news agencies, including external News agencies, and social media verified handlers, various reports have suggested that riots erupted after two groups – one protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the other favoring it – clashed.
  • However, news agency IANS has reported that much before the stone-pelting by pro- and anti-CAA groups, a mystery fight had occurred at a small restaurant in a market of Karawal Nagar area.
  • A mystery fight had occurred at a small restaurant in a market of Karawal Nagar area on Sunday evening
  • It is not clear what exactly led to the fight at the Sanjar Chicken Corner at around 8:30 pm in Karawal Nagar area on Sun.
  • The news agency has mentioned a Karawal Nagar resident as saying that following the fight at the eatery, the owner’s family had pelted stones on the people around there till 11 pm.
  • Another resident told the news agency that when he tried to find out why stone-pelting was taking place, he came to know that the owner of the Sanjar Chicken Corner had “thrown boiling oil on the people after some heated debate”.
  • He also had no idea as regards what was the argument about. Albeit the Delhi Police managed to maintain the peace that night, things changed for worse by Monday afternoon.
  • This is to be noted that BJP leader Kapil Mishra had on Sunday given the Delhi Police a three-day ultimatum to stop an anti-CAA protest that started in Jaffrabad on Saturday night. Afterwards, pro-CAA protesters began assembling in Maujpur.
  • As the crowd of anti-CAA protesters swelled at Jaffrabad, the number of pro-CAA protesters in Maujpur too intensified. And a stretch of road separated both the groups, ie the ones at Maujpur and Jaffrabad, and notably, Karawal Nagar is also a closeby locality.
  • It was a matter of time when the slogan-shouting changed into stone-pelting, inflaming public sentiments. What followed was the mayhem in the northeast part of the national capital. Shops, including showrooms and a petrol pump, were gutted, houses were vandalised, and vehicles were damaged. Delhi violence has caused at least 39 deaths so far, including a head constable and an Intelligence Bureau staffer.
  • Reports suggest that the rioters were armed with guns, knives, swords, rods and pipes, stones, sticks, and petrol bombs (Molotov cocktails).
  • [complete story]Around 1604 hrs, Delhi Police officers came on road in Northeast Delhi, on Feb 27^th: “I have come here to assure people that we are with them and for their welfare”.
    • People here have responded positively and assured that they’ll work together through Aman Committees to bring back the feeling of brotherhood: SN Shrivastava, Spl CP, Law & Order

    According to Delhi Police, all the 106 arrested people are locals and that more arrests will be made on the basis of CCTV footage recovered. Police also said that they have got visuals of outsiders and they are being identified.

    • Additional Commissioner of Police Central MS Randhawa holds a meeting with Aman Committee of old Delhi; Delhi Minister and local MLA Imran Hussain also present.

    The situation in the riot-hit northeast Delhi “is under control”, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said after he held a meeting with senior officials of the Delhi Police and visited some areas.

    Since NSA Doval has taken responsibility, no further causalities have been reported. While everyone agree as it was conspiracy, but blaming each other for it.

    • Including two official personals, IB staff Ankit Sharma and Ratan Lal, head police constable 33 more dead in in riot in last 72 hrs, while 5 are critical in hospitals. Some more than 200 peoples are injured during incidents.

    Locals and parents of Ankit Sharma blamed AAP parshad Tahir Husain’s role in killing of Ankit Sharma, along with 4 others.

    • AAP councilor, Tahir Hussain on Thurs denied that he was involved in the riots or in the killing of an Intelligence Bureau (IB) staffer.
    • • A Class 8th student who went to take exam missing since Mon.
      • Shops shut, eerie calm prevails in riot-hit areas of northeast Delhi, across the neighborhoods in Jaffarabad, Maujpur, Chandbagh, Gokulpuri and surrounding areas, even today.
      • Paramilitary personnel provide security cover for last journey of man killed in Delhi clashes
      • Amid an eerie calm in northeast Delhi’s Shiv Vihar, where communal violence broke out four days ago, 26-year-old Rahul Solanki’s body was taken to a crematorium by his distraught kin and armed paramilitary personnel.

      The Delhi Police has been accused of not doing enough to contain the violence by the Supreme Court and Delhi high court.

      • Meanwhile, Delhi HC judge Justice S Muralidhar, who on Wed grilled the center, the state government and the Delhi Police over the violence in the national capital, has been transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
      • The notification on the transfer was issued around 11 pm on Wed night, about two weeks after it was recommended by the Supreme Court collegium on Feb 12.
      • HC Judge Who Pulled up Delhi Police over Riots Shunted Out by Modi Govt: Formal transfer order comes on the same day the judge locks horns with the Centre over the Delhi riots. -The Wire

      Delhi Police spokesperson, M. S. Randhawa on Wed said that situation in the violence hit area in the National Capital is under control and sufficient forces have been deployed in the affected areas and no untoward incident took place.

      • Police has registered 18 FIRs so far and 106 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.
      • He said, miscreants involved in the violence will be identified and more FIRs will be lodged against the culprits.
      • He said, Delhi Police has issued two helpline numbers 22829334 and 22829335 wherein people can contact for any assistance or can share any information with the police.

      A press conference is addressed by Delhi, CM Arvind Kejriwal after held a high-level meeting over the Violence.

      Kejriwal, Under Delhi Govt’s ‘Farishte’ scheme of free-of-cost medical treatment at any private hospital, those affected in this violence can get medical treatment. Compensation of Rs 10 lakhs each to families of those who have died. Dy CM Manish Sisodia, Minister Kailash Gahlot and other officers also attended the meeting. In the meeting, it was decided to provide relief material to these areas.

      Chief Justice, Delhi High Court’ on

      • Delhi High Court makes Centre a party in the North East Delhi violence case.
      • Delhi violence case: Delhi High Court asks Centre to file a response in the case and lists the matter for Apr 13.
      • Centre, Police Ask Court For More Time To File Cases Over Hate Speech Videos; Number Of Deaths Rises To 35.
      • Previously, Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal has appointed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Addl Solicitor General MK Acharya, advocates Amit Mahajan and Rajat Nair to represent Delhi Police in the matters related to law and order situation in the areas of North East, Shahdara and East districts of Delhi.
      • Delhi Police tells High Court that in a conscious decision, they’ve decided not to file an FIR for hate speech against anyone at this stage as it won’t help in restoring peace and normalcy in Delhi.

      Delhi Police says they have filed 48 FIRs in the North East Delhi violence case on Wed.

      An impleadment application by advocate Sanjjiiv K Kumaar, ‘Lawyers’ Voice’ files in Delhi HC seeks registration of FIR, under various sections of IPC, 124A, 295A 153, 153A, 504, 505, 506, against Sonia Gandhi, Priynaka Gandhi Vadra, Varish Pathan, Harsh Mander, Swara Bhaskar, RJ Sayema and Amanatullah Khan for causing Delhi Riots.  Says this was sinister plan of “Delhi Siege” by this “militant urban Naxal group”.

      • A delegation from the Indian National Congress led by interim president Sonia Gandhi and former PM Dr. MM Singh called on President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
        • Mrs Gandhi after submitting a memorandum to President, said to media that we call upon you (President) to ensure that life, liberty, and property of citizens are preserved.
        • We also reiterate that you should immediately call for the removal of the HM for his inability to contain violence.
      • BSP Chief, Mayawati, in guise of Violence, political parties are playing dirty politics. Centre should let police and system work freely, without any kind of interference. Delhi CM should play a major role in normalizing the situation instead of doing politics in other states.

      Death Troll Raised to 23 while 189 Injured in North east Delhi Violence Protest on Feb 26^th

      Delhi Police makes an announcement in Seelampur area, “Ek mahine ke liye Section 144 laga di gai hai, yahan koi bhi vyakti nazar na aaye. Abhi tumhe pyar se bataya jaa raha hai, phir sakhti se bataya jayega. Dukane bandh kardo yahan” [ANI]

      • A 26-year-old IB officer, Ankit Sharma, has been killed in a mob attack in Delhi’s Chand Bagh. Sharma’s body was found dumped in a drain. The officer was reportedly missing since Tue’s evening.
      • Amid all such violence, Delhi Commissioner of Police, Amulya Patnaik claimed that normalcy has returned in North East district to a large extent, senior officers are on rounds, extra forces have been given and lot of confidence building measures are being taken. Things being brought back to normal
      • Delhi Police officials met to “Aman Committee in Usmanpur area of Shahdara”. They added that public are requested not to pay heed to rumors.
      • Delhi violence: Chand Bagh and Bhajanpura Adjacent colonies at war until RAF rolled in.
        • Delhi violence: Only at 1705 hrs, reinforcements arrived in the form of the Rapid Action Force and Delhi Police armed in riot gear, who lobbed teargas shells and pelted stones into Chand Bagh as part of their “area domination exercise”.

      Special CP (Law and Order) Satish Golcha, who led the flag march

      • , was asked why police did not employ equal force while dealing with Bhajanpura residents. He told The Indian Express, “Those people (in Chand Bagh) are the aggressors; I saw it myself yesterday night. The people on the other side (Bhajanpura) are carrying weapons for self-defense. I know they will not attack me when I speak to them, but I can’t say the same when dealing with the other side. But I am not saying that one side is wrong.”
        • The death of 19-year-old Chand Bagh resident Sayid; the alleged burning of a mazhar; and the attack on women protesters, allegedly by Delhi Police, added fuel to the fire. Sayid (19), a driver by profession, reportedly died of a gunshot wound. His wife Sajiya, who married him two months ago, said: “What is wrong if we fight for our rights?” Indian Express
        • When Golcha waved off the armed gangs, women wielding sticks complained to him, “Hum tumhara support karte hai”. “Theek hai,” he told them, and moved on, as they cheered for the police. As the flag march reached Chand Bagh, several RAF personnel rushed to the entrance and fired several teargas shells. The column moved forward and Golcha decided to call off the march. However, just a few metres behind him, Bhajanpura residents set up barricades on the road and pelted stones. The security cordon, rushed to them and told them to back off.
      • Breaking away from the main group, several RAF personnel charged into Chand Bagh and fired teargas shells, while residents pelted stones at them.
      • Senior Congress leaders scheduled to march to Rashtrapati Bhavan today, was postpone for tomorrow, to raise the issue of violence. Instead they addressed press meet, headed by interim President, Sonia Gandhi-
        • She said that there is a conspiracy behind the violence, country also saw this during Delhi elections. Many BJP leaders made inciting comments creating an atmosphere of fear and hatred
          • ble for the present situation in Delhi. The Union Home Minister should resign.
            • Delhi Police has remained paralyzed in the last 72 hrs-around 18 lives have been lost so far, including a head constable, and hundreds are in hospital, many with gunshot injuries. Violence continues unabated on the streets of North East Delhi.
            • CM and Delhi Govt is equally responsible for not activating the administration to reach out to the people to maintain peace and harmony. It is the collective failure of both governments that have resulted in a great tragedy in the capital city
          • CWC observes silence for those killed in Delhi violence.
          • Allegations of Congress immediately counted by BJP Delhi in-charge, and Union Min P Javadekar. He said “They’re asking where was Amit Shah. He took an all-party meeting yesterday where a Cong leader was also present. HM gave directions to Police and also boost the morale of Police. Statements by Congress have adverse an effect on the morale of police.”
          • Meanwhile, Pak PM, also entered in to matter and tweeted “Today in India we are seeing the Nazi-inspired RSS ideology take over a nuclear-armed state of over a billion people. Whenever a racist ideology based on hatred takes over, it leads to bloodshed.” He urged international community to ‘act now’ on deadly violence against Muslims in India.
          • Alumni Association of Jamia Millia Islamia (AAJMI) and Jamia Coordination Committee organized a demonstration outside CM Arvind Kejriwal’s residence. People have gathered here demanding action against Delhi Violence and seeking restoration of peace.

          High Court on Delhi Violence: HC orders filing FIRs against 3 BJP leaders for hate speech

          • Delhi HC asks Special Commissioner of Police to convey its anguish to Police Commissioner, says just register FIRs (on speeches by 3 BJP leaders), Delhi HC tells Spl CP to communicate it to Police Commissioner. The three leaders are Kapil Mishra, MoS Finance Anurag Thakur and BJP MP Parvesh Verma.
          • Court said that the CM and Dy CM should also visit the affected areas for confidence-building among people. This is the time to reach out.
          • Standing counsel apprised the Court that there is an official confirmation on 17 deaths due to violence in North East Delhi.
          • The Court said, we cannot let another 1984 happen in this country; not under the watch of this Court.
          • Court expresses concern over body an IB officer found in north-east Delhi. Court says it is “very unfortunate”. Court also asks the highest functionaries in state and central government to personally meet the victims and their families.
          • Court directs to set up helplines for immediate help for victims, private ambulances to be provided for safe passage of victims. Court also directs set up of shelters for rehabilitation along with basic facilities.
          • Delhi government standing Counsel Rahul Mehra contends in HC there is no reason, not to lodge FIR against 3 BJP leaders. SG says HC should wait for authorities’ reply on lodging FIR against 3 BJP leaders as any decision now may aggravate situation. PTI
          • Justice Muralidhar said “we are surprised at the conduct of the police”. HC also asks SG to advise the police commissioner on the registration of an FIR against the BJP leaders who made hate speeches.
          • Court inquires about the name of the officer who was seen in BJP leader Kapil Mishra’s video clip.
          • Court played Mishra’s video clip in the court in the presence of all lawyers and DCP Deo and SG Tushar Mehta.
        • Zubeda Begum appointed as amicus curiae to coordinate with victim

        Series of event since on Feb 25^th Evening

        • HM Amit Shah held a long meeting that lasted for almost 3 hours with Delhi Police & Home Ministry officials.
        • Newly appointed Special Commissioner of Police SN Srivastava also attended the meeting. It was the 3rd meeting chaired by HM in less than 24 hours.
        • DCP North West, Delhi: Some false information/news item has been circulating regarding damage to a mosque in Ashok Vihar area. It is to clarify that no such incident has taken place in the area of Ashok Vihar. Please do not spread false information.
        • Shoot at sight orders issued around 2000 hrs.
        • At 2000 hrs, IPS SN Shrivastava has been appointed as Special Commissioner (Law and Order) in Delhi Police, with immediate effect.
        • Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital official: 13 deaths have been reported since yesterday.
        • Around 2100 hrs, Police have put barricades and sealed all the roads that lead to Ghaziabad from north east Delhi. Ajay Kumar Pandey, DM says, “Keeping in mind the violence in Delhi we have sealed the borders. There is peace in our district. We have closed all the wine shops in the nearby areas.”
        • Around 1900 hrs, Delhi CP, Amulya Patnaik: Some news agency ran the news that Delhi Police said that it has not got adequate forces from MHA, this information is wrong. MHA is continually supporting us & we have adequate forces. Delhi police denies this completely.
        • Regarding Delhi Violence: Miscreants will not be spared, strict legal action will be taken against them. Sufficient police force, CAPF and senior officials deployed in the North East district. Sec 144 imposed in some areas of the district.
        • Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa on BJP leader Kapil Mishra’s speech: It’s under investigation, our top priority was to control the situation which we’ve done. We will investigate all FIRs that have been registered and if a main conspirator is found action will be taken.
        • I deny that there is any deficiency of Police force. Sufficient forces have been deployed in the Northeast district. CRPF, RAF and additional resources of Delhi police are also active. 11 FIRs have been registered & few have been detained.
        • Delhi Police Special Commissioner Satish Golcha: The protesters have left the Jaffarabad metro station and the Maujpur Chowk is also clear. Now, 66 Futa road is absolutely clear of all protests.
        • Ajit Doval tasked to bring Delhi situation under control after violence spirals
        • Concerned over the deteriorating law and order situation in the national capital, PM Narendra Modi has given to NSA Ajit Doval the mandate to restore normalcy in riot-hit northeast Delhi where at least 23 people have been killed in the communal violence, officials said on Wed.
        • He also reached N DCP office without notices (media) and have taken briefed about situation in today’s evening also (1550 hrs).
        • From there, Doval reached Maujpur area to take stock of the situation there.
        • Various unverified provocative videos clips surfaced on social media, through verified social media handlers.
        • Immediately after taking over the assignment, Doval undertook a late night tour of the riot-hit areas on Tuesday accompanied by Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik and newly-appointed Special Commissioner S N Shrivastava and other senior officers, they said.
        • Around 0012 hrs, today, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval leaves from office of Deputy Commissioner of Police North-East in Seelampur after reviewing security situation.5 IPS officers of Delhi Police transferred, today’s afternoon,
          • SD Mishra Addl CP Rohini now posted as Addl CP Traffic, MS Randhawa Addl CP (Central District) posted as Addl CP (Crime), P Mishra DCP (EOW) posted as DCP (Rohini), S Bhatia DCP IGI Airport posted as DCP (Central District). Rajeev Ranjan, Staff Officer to Commissioner of Police (CP) posted as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), IGI Airport.

          However, few more questions are still to be answered, which may come after investigation, like who provide gun? Who organized the mob? Who were main fabricators? Timing violence is also very important, besides weapons used in riot.

          International Reactions over Riot in NE Delhi

          In a report submitted by the South Asia director, Human Rights Watch, Meenakshi Ganguly, expressed concerned by reports in India of police inaction during attacks against Muslims, and excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, says UN high commissioner for human rights. Based on the “wire news” she tweeted today the report.

        • “In India more broadly, the CAA adopted last Dec is of great concern. 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. I am concerned by reports of police inaction in the face of attacks against Muslims by other groups, as well as previous reports of excessive use of force by police against peaceful protesters. This has now widened into broader inter-communal attacks, with 34 people killed since Sun 23 Feb. I appeal to all political leaders to prevent violence.”

        ‘Factually incorrect, misleading’: India on US panel statement on Delhi violence

        Raveesh Kumar, Ministry of External Affairs responded on the comments made by United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), sections of media and a few individuals on recent incidents of violence in Delhi. These are factually inaccurate and misleading, and appear to be aimed at politicizing the issue.

        MEA added, what led to this, why this happened will, of course, be a matter of investigation. What is important to note here is that law enforcement agencies are working on the ground. They are working to bring the situation back to normal.

        MEA on Organization of Islamic Cooperation’ statement on Delhi Violence: OIC statement is factually inaccurate, selective and misleading. There is an effort on ground to restore normalcy and create confidence. We urge these bodies not to issue irresponsible statements.

      • Law enforcement agencies are working to prevent violence & ensure restoration of normalcy. Senior Govt representatives have been involved in process. PM has publically appealed for peace brotherhood. We would urge that irresponsible comments are not made at this time.
      • Expressing “grave concern” over it, the USCIRF had said on Wednesday that the Indian government should provide protection to people regardless of their faith amid reports of attack on Muslims.And the Comments were-“We urge the Indian government to make serious efforts to protect Muslims and others targeted by mob violence,” USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins said in a statement.
        • At least 30 people have been killed and over 250 injured in the violence over Citizenship Amendment Act or CAA in Northeast Delhi.
        • “The ongoing violence we are witnessing in Delhi and the reported attacks against Muslims, their homes and shops, and their houses of worship are greatly disturbing. One of the essential duties of any responsible government is to provide protection and physical security for its citizens, regardless of faith,” Perkins said in the statement.
        • USCIRF Commissioner Anurima Bhargava too had said the “brutal and unchecked violence” across Delhi cannot continue. “The Indian government must take swift action to ensure the safety of its citizens,” she had said, adding that reports are mounting that the “Delhi Police have not intervened in violent attacks against Muslims, and the government is failing in its duty to protect its citizens”.
        • In its 2019 report, the USCIRF had classified India as a “Tier 2” country for engaging in or tolerating religious freedom violations that meet at least one of the elements of the “systematic, ongoing, egregious standard for designations as a country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.

        US presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders and a number of other leading American lawmakers have also expressed concern over the clashes in several parts of Delhi in which 34 people have been killed.

        Delhi clashes: UN chief ”very saddened” by casualties in Delhi violence

      • UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is “very saddened” by the casualties in the communal clashes in northeast Delhi over the amended citizenship law and calls for maximum restraint for violence to be avoided, his spokesperson said.

      Communal violence over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in northeast Delhi killed at least 34 people and left over 200 injured till Thursday as police

    • struggled to check the rioters who ran amok on streets, burning and looting shops, pelting stones and thrashing people.