CPI(M) leaders condemn Jehangirpuri communal violence in letter to Police Commissioner
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After a procession led by Bajrang Dal led to communal violence in Delhi's Jehangirpuri, two CPI(M) leaders Brinda Karat (member of Political Bureau) and K.M. Tiwari (Secretary of Delhi State Committee) wrote to the city Police Commissioner condemning the wholly avoidable incidents and seeking justice.
Ms. Karat noted the role of the police in the incidents of April 16th and asked if the police permitted the members of the Bajrang Dal to carry dangerous weapons. She pointed out the conclusive evidence found on TV footage. Several men were seen openly flaunting and brandishing swords, guns, and lathis violating the Arms Act 1959.
She said that the statement given to the media by Mr. Asthana, Police Commissioner, did not clarify whether the people seen carrying weapons were arrested under the relevant provisions. "It is also unclear whether an investigation has been launched to look into the role of the police."
The CPI(M) leader recounted the danger and irresponsibility in allowing an armed procession to stop in front of a mosque and shout provocative and aggressive slogans. This happened at the exact time when the prayers to break the Roza fast were scheduled to begin. She called it deliberate acts of omission by the police.
Karat mentioned that it is unfortunate that some police officers suffered injuries amid the violence that followed but the senior police officers who gave permission for the procession are also responsible. She stated that such an event of communal nature hasn't happened in the area before and it could have been avoided if the police had not given permission to the members of the Hindutva group.
She also argued that the violent events were orchestrated by outsiders who came with the procession because the Hindu and Muslim communities have been living in harmony in the area.
The Political Bureau member also drew attention to the reports of policemen manhandling and beating women during night raids in the C block. "When our members met with Addl DCP Shri Kishen Kumar in the Jehangirpuri police station on April 17, they were shocked to see BJP members holding press conference within the police station's property." She called the incident irregular and a sign of bias.
Karat also pointed out that the overwhelming majority of arrests are from the minority community and appealed action should be taken against the Bajrang Dal members who provoked and police officers who allowed such actions.