Jahangirpuri violence was preplanned: fact-finding report claims

New Delhi: A fact-finding report by the Group of Intellectuals and Academicians (GIA) claimed that the alleged attack on the Hanuman Jayanti procession in Jahangirpuri, which led to violence, that happened on April 16 was preplanned. Stones, petrol bombs, bottles etc., were arranged on rooftops earlier to target the religious procession, IANS reports.

The report, published on Monday and titled 'Jahangirpuri 2022: A Ticking Bomb of Illegal Immigrants, Encroachment, Demographic Stress, Radicalisation', claimed that a large mob was waiting to attack the procession.

The report states that in the area, there is Jama Masjid and a few houses belonging to Muslims are also there. As the procession neared the Masjid, stones were pelted at it.

The report read, "The stone pelting widened with women, children and men from the adjoining houses near the Masjid premises joining in the attack. Within minutes, a crowd of local Muslim residents (including alleged Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingyas) wielding swords, lathis, iron rods and some carrying pistols came out from the Kushal cinema bylane. There were chants of 'Allah hu Akbar'."

"The Jahangirpuri violence was a preplanned street rioting by Muslim residents along with Bangladeshis, Rohingyas (as informed by local residents) of the area against the Hanuman Jayanti procession. Unlike the fake news and disinformation campaign, there is no evidence of any attack on the local mosque by those involved in the procession. No flag was planted on any mosque in the area," the report alleged.

The report also raises the question of illegal encroachment in the area.

Further, it says about illegal encroachments in the area. "This is a crime-prone area due to thriving encroachment and illegal trade. The local police have turned a blind eye to such activities despite constant complaints from the local residents. This area is a no-go zone and extremely unsafe for women," the report claimed.