Fresh violence in northeast Delhi, toll rises to seven
New Delhi: Fresh violence broke out in parts of northeast Delhi with mobs pelting stones, vandalising shops and threatening locals on Tuesday, a day after seven people were killed in violent clashes over the amended citizenship law.
Smoke was seen going up in some places and streets, including in the epicentre of the trouble Maujpur, were littered with stones, bricks and burnt tyres, testimony to the spiralling violence and bloodshed that took on a communal taint on Monday and injured about 150 people.
Schools were shut with exams being postponed and fearful residents stayed indoors as the area smouldered with tension.
Prohibitory orders, banning the assembly of more than four persons, were imposed on Monday and will continue to be in force till March 24.
A resident in Maujpur said he has seen a riot like situation such as this for the first time in 35 years. “The area had always remained peaceful,” he told PTI, requesting anonymity.
According to police sources, 48 police personnel and 98 civilians were injured in Monday’s clashes between pro and anti CAA groups at Jaffrabad, Maujpur, Chandbagh, Khureji Khas and Bhajanpura. Three firemen also received injuries while dousing flames in the area.
The death toll in the violence climbed to seven — six civilians and Delhi Police head constable Ratan Lal — on Tuesday, a senior police official said. While Lal died of injuries sustained during stone pelting in Chand Bagh, it is not yet clear what killed the others.
With US President Donald Trump in the city, Delhi Police ramped up security in the area. It is being assisted by paramilitary personnel.
Officials said police personnel are talking to local peace committees in a bid restore amity.
“Mischief-makers are being dealt with strictly on the spot,” a senior official said.
There have been no arrests yet.
