Twenty people, including a 21-year-old man who allegedly opened fire injuring a Sub Inspector, have been arrested over violence during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in the national capital even as police maintained a strict vigil in the locality and held peace meetings.
The situation in north-west Delhi's Jahangirpuri remained calm, a day after the incident with police using drones to keep a tab on the movement in the locality that witnessed violence on Saturday evening.
Police used facial recognition software as well as footage from mobile phones and CCTV cameras to identify those involved in the violence and trace them.
Besides North-West Delhi, preventive patrolling and area domination were undertaken in South-East Delhi and other sensitive areas to ensure peace and tranquility.
While nine persons were arrested first in the Jahangirpuri incident, another 11 were taken into custody later. One of the arrested Mohammed Aslam (21) is accused of opening fire and one of the bullets hitting a Sub Inspector, and a pistol has been recovered allegedly from him, police said.
Aslam is also named in a case registered at Jahangirpuri Police Station in 2020 under sections 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-West) Usha Rangnani said an FIR was registered Saturday under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 147 (rioting) and other relevant Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act sections.
Violence erupted on Saturday evening when the Hanuman Jayanti procession reached C-Block of Jahangirpuri when a group of 4-5 people entered into an argument with a group of people in the procession. The argument led to stone-pelting and arson that left eight police personnel and a local injured while some vehicles were damaged.
A heavy posse of local police have been deployed in the locality. Besides, a team of Rapid Action Force has also been deployed. The incident also prompted the authorities to alert all police stations in the capital to remain vigilant. Technical surveillance has also been put in place.
Police held a meeting with peace committees and appealed to the people to maintain peace in their area. The meeting was organised by Rangnani with the members of Aman Committee of Jahangirpuri, Mahendra Park and Adarsh Nagar to maintain peace in the area.
"During the meeting, all the members were asked to appeal to the public in their areas to maintain peace, harmony and tranquillity. They were assured of a professional and fair investigation and due legal action on the part of police," said Rangnani.
She said they were urged to counter any rumour, misinformation and asked to be vigilant towards the activities of any mischievous or anti-social elements.
Watch the latest DH Videos here: