Communal clashes broke out on Friday following violent altercation over Diwali celebrations in East Delhi’s Trilokpuri area on Thursday. Policeman among five people have been injured in the incident.
locals allege that the clash began during the occasion of Mata Ki Chowki when a few men from the Muslim community disrupted the aarti and even tried to break the pandal of the goddess. Both sides resorted to stone pelting and repeated rounds of firing took place in Block-20 of Trilokpuri area.
“Police officers are taking sides and asking us if we are bhangi and hitting us. Hum par lathicharge kiya hai (They lathicharged us),” said Anil Parcha, a local. Another resident Rajveer accused the police officers of taking sides on the incident.
Devastated lanes, broken window panes, vandalised houses, and damaged vehicles were the sight in the aftermath of the violence. The SHO of Mayur Vihar was injured during the clash including five people of whom one met with a bullet injury, during heavy rounds of firing between the two groups, has been admitted to Safdarjung hospital.
Acting on the tip off, the police force immediately swung into action at the spot. Police used tear gas and used force to control the situation. Around 700 to 1000 police force has been deployed in the communally sensitive area.
Rapid action force, paramilitary forces have been called in the wake of the incident. Riot Control Vehicle and fire brigades have also been deployed at the spot. Special Commissioner of Police (law and Order) Deepak Mishra, Joint Commissioner of Police Sanjay Beniwal and other senior officers were present at the spot post midnight to control the situation. Heavy police deployment has been done in the area to maintain peace.