Delhi violence updates: Arms supplier of shooter Sonu arrested; NSA against 5 accused

On Tuesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party wrote to the North Delhi mayor, urging him to get bulldozers run on the houses of those involved in the Jahangirpuri violence. 

The Crime Branch has arrested another person in the Jahangirpuri violence case. The person identified as Dilshad was involved in stone-pelting. 

A five-member team of the prominent Muslim body Jamiat-Ulema-e- Hind visited Jahangirpuri on Tuesday. The group has assured legal aid to those accused of the clashes that broke out on Hanuman Jayanti. 

A team of the National Commission of Minorities visited Jahangirpuri on Tuesday. Visiting the area in which clashes were witnessed during the Shobha Yatra on Hanuman Jayanti, the Commission said that no innocent person should be booked. 

Key points under National Security Act are:-
 
1. The act allows preventive detention for months
2. States or Centre can detain a people from acting in a manner prejudicial to India's security
3. A person can be detained if he/she is a threat to India's relations with foreign countries
4. The Act is invoked to maintain public law and order
5. It empowers the government to detain foreigners and regulate his/her presence or expel him/her from India
6. The provisions in the Act are is re-notified every quarter

A day after Union Home Amit Shah's call for stringent action, National Security Act (NSA) was imposed on five accused of the Jhangirpuri violence on Tuesday. The National Security Act is an act that empowers the government to detain a person if the authorities are satisfied that he/she is a threat to national security or to prevent him/her from disrupting public order, and the same has been imposed on five accused involved in the clashes that broke out during the Shobha Yatra on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti- April 16. 

1 more arrest has taken place in Jahangirpuri violence. The arrested allegedly supplied arms to Sonu, whose alleged video of firing during the Shobha Yatra procession on Hanuman Jayanti in Jahangirpuri was first exposed by the Republic. 

Speaking to Republic on the allegations leveled by AAP against BJP, saffron party leader RP Singh said, "How much they (AAP) will try to defend their party worker Ansar, they have done the same with Tahir Hussain."

After the press conference, Aam Aadmi Party's Saurabh Bhardwaj spoke exclusively to Republic. In the exclusive conversation, he remain undeterred in his claim that the Delhi violence was BJP's plot. "BJP is getting benefited from all the violence. BJP won 8 seats in Delhi because of Shaheen Bagh," he claimed. 

AAP leader Saurab Bhardwaj on Tuesday held a press briefing on the Jahangirpuri violence. "The main accused in the Jahangirpuri riots - Ansar - is a BJP leader. He played a major role in getting BJP's candidate Sangeeta Bajaj to contest and plays an active role in BJP. It is clear that the BJP has got the riots done. BJP should apologize to the people of Delhi. BJP is a party of goons," he said. 

Sonu Chikna alias Imam alias Yunus, who is a prime suspect in the Jahangirpur violence on Hanuman Jayanti and was seen pointing a gun on the day of the clashes, has been sent to 4-day police custody. 

The man who led the Hanuman Jayanti procession spoke to Republic TV and revealed what went down on ground zero on the day of violence.

Republic TV confronted Sonu, who opened fire during the Jahangirpuri violence on who provided him the gun. Sonu was being taken from the Jahangirpuri Police Station and will be produced before the court shortly.

Speaking exclusively to Republic TV, eyewitnesses confirmed the build-up to Jahangirpuri violence. 

Republic accessed CCTV footage of the night before the Jahangirpuri violence. It showed how weapons were gathered implying that the violence was replanned.

The Delhi Police exposed the role of riot-accused Ansar in court. The Police stated that Ansar reached the Shobha Yatra with 5 people and sparked violence.

During the interrogation, it has come to light that when the Shobha Yatra was being taken out, the Imam of the Mosque was on the rooftop of the Mosque. It has also come to fore that it was the Cleric who had given a call to Ansar and called him and then Ansar came near the Yatra along with 4-5 men. 

As per sources, the Delhi Police is not satisfied with shooter Sonu's answers. When the police asked Sonu about the pistol during his interrogation, he could not give a satisfactory response. According to police sources, Sonu had taken the pistol from someone whom he knew in Delhi. As per sources, the police is investigating how many bullets Sonu took in the police and for what purpose. 

The NCPCR took note of the alleged involvement of minors and children in communal violence in northwest Delhi’s Jahangirpuri. It said, “NCPCR has taken cognizance of minors and children being used in riots in Delhi. We are taking necessary action in this matter". 

As per sources, the Delhi Police has submitted its preliminary report on the Jahangirpuri violence to the Union Home Ministry.  The report gives information about the entire incident and the action taken by Delhi Police. So far, 24 persons have been arrested and the weapons involved in the incident have been recovered. It reportedly stated that the criminal conspiracy charge was invoked so that the case could be investigated in a big way. 

Speaking to the media, DCP Central District Shweta Chauhan said, "Aman committee meetings were held with residents of the Central district at various police stations. Police officials reached out to communities and appealed to them to maintain peace and harmony at all times."

As per sources, the main accused in the Jahangirpuri violence- Sonu Chikna is being continuously quizzed by the Crime Branch in order to unearth where did he acquire the sophisticated pistol from which he fired on the day of the violence. During the interrogation, he has confessed that he opened fire. 

In a Republic TV investigation, three-minute footage showing the extent of the Jahangirpuri violence was exclusively accessed. At the outset, a man is heard saying 'A bullet is being fired". Thereafter, the video shows a mob on one side and the procession on the other from the rooftop. The armed mob is seen charging at the procession and pelting stones at them. Screams are heard as the mob charged and their chanting grew louder. 

Thereafter, the unnamed person is heard saying that the policemen have gone away. The video also features him saying that many shots were fired. The rioting mob was seen raising swords and sticks besides vandalising vehicles. From the footage, it appears that at least 200 people were on the spot including children.

Normal life remained impacted as a majority of shops kept their shutters down on Monday in northwest Delhi's Jahangirpuri area where the situation remained tense following the violent clashes during a Hanuman Jayanti procession on April 16. There was heavy police presence and only a few locals were occasionally seen on the roads as life came to standstill in the area, two days after the violent clashes which left nine policemen and a civilian was injured. The usually busy Kaushal chowk dotted by carts of vegetable and fruit sellers, could be seen filled with police personnel and media persons. 

A senior officer said over 500 police personnel and six companies of additional force have been deployed in the area round the clock. A total of 80 tear gas gun parties and water cannons have been deployed. Drones are also being used in sensitive areas for rooftop surveillance. All senior officers have been instructed to be at the spot to avoid any untoward incident, the officer said. Asked about the deployment in the area, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said it will continue in the sensitive areas, including Jahangirpuri, until the situation returns to normal.

One sophisticated pistol was recovered from Sonu alias Imam alias Yunus's possession in connection with the Jahangirpuri violence case. Case u/s 25 Arms Act registered. The accused disclosed that he had fired via his pistol near Kushal Chowk during the incident: DCP North West

A Peace March was organised by Delhi Police along with the members of the Aman committee in the area of Jahangirpuri. People of the area were appealed by Aman Committee to maintain peace and harmony, not to spread and trust rumours/misinformation and to report mischievous activities.

Expressing worry over rising communal tensions in parts of the country, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar on Monday said the total approach of the BJP and some of its organisations seems to be about creating communal problems in India.
 

A large number of security personnel, including those from the anti-riot force, have been deployed in the violence-hit areas of Jahangirpuri in northwest Delhi, officials said on Monday. 

A senior officer said over 500 police personnel and six companies of additional force have been deployed in the area round the clock.

A total of 80 tear gas gun parties and water cannons have been deployed. Drones are also being used in sensitive areas for rooftop surveillance. All senior officers have been instructed to be at the spot to avoid any untoward incident, the officer said.
 

Union minister and BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi on Monday termed clashes in Delhi's Jahangirpuri area during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations as a conspiracy by those who want to promote enmity and defy the rules of the administration and expressed confidence the ongoing police probe will expose such elements.

She said riots have been placed in the national capital in the recent past, too, and mentioned large-scale violence during the visit of then-US President  Donald Trump in February 2020.

Sonu Chikna, who was seen pointing & firing a gun during the Jahangirpuri clashes in Delhi on Saturday, was confronted by the Republic Media Network. The shooter, who was arrested by Delhi Police, remained mum as Republic confronted him while he was being brought to the Jahangirpuri police station minutes after finally being nabbed, almost 48 hours the video of him brandishing his weapon surfaced. Read Full Story.

Republic's Piyush Mishra confront the shooter Sonu while he was being brought to the Jahangirpuri police station after being nabbed by the Delhi police almost 48 hours after being seen on video firing a gun during the Delhi clashes.

Alleged shooter Sonu seen pointing gun during Jahangirpuri clash arrested, brought to Jahangirpuri Police Station.

As per sources, Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Delhi Police officials and has given strict instructions that action should be taken against rioters such that an incident like this is not repeated in Delhi.

Shooter Sonu Chikna, seen pointing a gun and opening fire at the Jahangirpuri clash, has been arrested by the Special Staff/NWD of Delhi Police.

Delhi Commissioner of Police Rakesh Asthana speaks to Republic on the Jahangirpuri clashes.

A case vide FIR no 441/22 dated 17/04/22 u/s 188 IPC has been registered against organisers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal Delhi Prant, Mukharjee Nagar Jila, Jhandewala for carrying out a procession without any permission.

Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said that they are working with National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to look into the alleged involvement of children in the Jahangirpuri violence.

Rohini court sent the two prime accused, Ansar and Aslam to police custody for one day in connection with the Jahangirpuri violence case, later they will be produced to the court. The remaining 12 have been sent to judicial custody (for 14 days): Advocate Vikas Verma

Rohini Court has sent key accused in the Jahangirpuri violence- Aslam & Ansar- sent to two day police custody.

"We condemn violence. There is no permission for violence. Due process of law should be followed. But you are following a one-sided probe," AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said.

A total of 7 accused were produced in the Rohini court today, in connection with the Jahangirpuri violence case.

Heavy security has been deployed outside the courtroom premises of Rohini court. Jahangirpuri violence accused will be produced before Rohini Court. An in-camera hearing will take place. Hence no media persons will be allowed.

"As of now, three firearms recovered. A forensic examination will be done on the recovery. Restrictions in the Jahangirpuri area were imposed to create a sense of safety. The police deployment will be decreased after the situation gets better," said Delhi CP Rakesh Asthana.

In order to maintain peace and tranquillity in the area, Aman Committee meeting was organised in PS Jahangirpuri at 1:30 pm. All members were asked to appeal to their respective communities to maintain harmony & not pay heed to rumours: DCP North West Usha Rangnani

"Four teams of forensics examined the spot today. 14 teams of police are investigating the case from different angles. The investigation is in the initial phase. A total of 21 people were arrested & some others are on remand," Delhi Commissioner of Police Rakesh Asthana said on Jahangirpuri violence.

Delhi Police chief Rakesh Asthana said that 23 people were held so far in Jahangirpuri violence. He said that eight of the accused booked have a previous criminal record.

Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said that there was no attempt was made to hoist the saffron flag at a mosque during the Hanuman Jayanti procession in Jahangirpuri.

A day after the violent clashes broke out in Jahangirpuri, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana visited injured Sub-Inspector Meda Lal who sustained a bullet injury, at his residence. During the meet, the Commissioner lauded the injured officer’s efforts and assured all assistance from the department.

Weighing in on the Delhi violence, AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at both Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Contending that clashes have become common in Delhi after Shah took over as the Home Minister, he questioned the latter on why Arms Act was not invoked against people who were allegedly carrying pistols in the Hanuman Jayanti procession. Moreover, he accused the Delhi police of taking one-sided action by initially arresting only people belonging to one community. 

Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi hit out at BJP blaming the party for provoking communal tensions in the country. Calling BJP a 'party of goons', the AAP leader said that inquiry into the Jahangirpuri violence case will reveal BJP members' involvement in the attacks.  Atishi told ANI, "BJP rewards goons. Inquiry will prove that BJP workers were involved in the communal attacks that occurred in the national capital and the country". She questioned, "Why is it that only BJP-led Shobha Yatra's are attacked? While Shobha Yatra led by Arvind Kejriwal, Saurav Bharadwaj, and Manish Sisodia are never attacked".

Addressing a press conference, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana explained the sequence of events pertaining to the Jahangirpuri violence. Mentioning that the analysis of digital evidence is underway, he also did not rule out taking action against the misinformation being spread on social media. On this occasion, he revealed that 14 teams of the Delhi Police Crime Branch are investigating the case from all angles. Rubbishing the claim that some people tried to hoist a flag in a mosque, he vowed that no culprit who directly or indirectly participated in the violence will be spared. 

Delhi CP Rakesh Asthana remarked, "We have arrested 23 persons so far after registering an offence. Out of these 23, 8 accused have a previous involvement. The analysis of CCTV footage and the other available digital evidence is going on. On the basis of that, some more people have been identified who will be subjected to custodial interrogation. 3 firearms and 5 swords were seized. The case has been transferred to the Crime Branch."

Two days after violence erupted in Jahangirpuri, fresh stone-pelting was witnessed in this area today. In a statement, the Delhi Police revealed that it visited the house of a person who was seen opening fire during the clash between two communities on April 16. However, two relatives of the aforesaid assailant pelted stones at the police as a result of which cop Satyendra Khari sustained injuries. Subsequently, the police detained one person. As of now, personnel of the police and the Rapid Action Force have been deployed in the violence-hit area. 

In a statement, the Delhi Police said,  "A video was being circulated on 17/04/22 in social media showing a man (in blue kurta) opening fire during riot in Jahangirpuri area on 16/04/22. Police team of north west district had gone to his house in CD Park road in his search and for examination of his family members. The family members pelted two stones on them in retaliation. Legal action is being taken. One person is detained. Situation is completely under control."

During investigation of case vide FIR 440/22, PS Jahangirpuri, one more accused person namely Salim @ Chikna s/o Sh. Sekh Hamid, age 36 yrs, r/o C-block Jhangirpuri has been arrested.

Accused Salim @ Chikna is found to be previously involved in a robbery and attempt to murder case of PS Jahangirpuri. 

So far, 21 accused persons have been arrested and 2 CCL have been apprehended.

Further investigation of the case is in progress.

"Delhi Police is working and as we know that 20 have been arrested, and two juveniles are there. We have maintained the peace and the investigation is still in progress. We are also keeping an eye on the rumors being spread on social networking, we are keeping control of it. Videos coming towards us are being analyzed," said Dependra Pathak, Special CP.

According to Shankar Chowdhary, DCP Dwarka, Bajrang Dal's Shobha Yatra was held peacefully today. "The Yatra was peaceful, it was a long one. Throughout the route people maintained peace. I thank the people. The meeting was arranged priorly to keep it calm and maintain peace," said the Dwarka DCP. 

"20 accused arrested and 2 juveniles in conflict with the law have also been apprehended in connection with Jahangirpuri violence case. 3 firearms and 5 swords have been recovered from the possession of the accused persons. Further investigation underway," informed DCP North-West Usha Rangnani.

Main accused Ansar and Aslam have been sent to one-day police custody in the Jahangirpuri violence case by the Rohini Court. The remaining 12 accused were sent to judicial custody. 

The Jahangirpuri violence case has been transferred to Crime Branch with immediate effect. The Crime Branch team has reached Jahangirpuri to investigate the April 16 violence. District Police and Crime branch are doing a joint investigation, Special Commissioner Crime Branch, Ravindra Kumar informed. 

The accused arrested in the Jahangirpuri riots have been produced in the Rohini court.

Delhi Police tells court riots were pre-planned. "On 15th, Ansar and Aslam came to know that a yatra was about to go out and they had conspired," police says. 

A high-level delegation of  VHP Delhi lead by Kapil Khanna, the state president -VHP will meet the Commissioner of Police Delhi on the Jihadist attacks in Jahangir puri, Delhi at 4pm today(17.4.22) in Phq. New Delhi, the body said in a statement. 

With reference to the recent mob violence which ensued amid a procession taken out in Delhi's Jahangirpuri on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said his state is 'well as of now'. Stating that probes into such incidents are carried out in an attentive and detailed manner, CM Kumar said there was alertness against such deeds in the state.

"Incidents had happened in Delhi and other areas...There's complete alertness in Bihar, investigation takes place properly in the state. The situation in the state is pretty well as of now,' the Bihar CM said. 

Injured police officer ASI Arun Kumar spoke exclusively to Republic and gave a detailed account of how the clashes took place during Shobha Yatra in Jahangirpuri.

He said the procession was moving ahead peacefully on Saturday evening when a huge mob came out of nowhere and started pelting stones at them including women, children, and the elderly. ASI Kumar who was on the site from the beginning informed that he was attacked by bricks, causing injuries to his leg and shoulder.

Deependra Pathak, Special CP, Delhi police informed that one of the accused in the Jahangirpuri violence - Ansari was identified as a history-sheeter and an FIR has been registered against him. 

"One of the conspirators namely Ansar,s/o Allauddin, 35 yrs has been arrested. He was found to be previously involved in two cases of assault and was also arrested repeatedly under preventive sections and booked 5 times under Gambling Act and Arms Act," the police said in a statement. 

Apprising of the developments in the case, Pathak said, 14 rioters have been arrested til now, including the man who opened fire at a police official. The weapon has also been recovered. 

"I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and report any suspicious activity to the police. We are investigating all angles in a fair manner and culprits will be punished strictly," he assured. 

Delhi BJP President Adesh Gupta &and Leader of Opposition LOP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri along with other senior leaders will visit the violence affected Jehangirpuri to take stock of the situation and speak to victims there. The BJP delegation is scheduled to reach the Jahangirpuri police station at 4.30 PM today. 

A day after violence erupted in n Jahangirpuri, BJP MP from North-West Delhi, Hans Raj Hans, appealed to all to maintain peace and brotherhood. "There are some bad elements in every religion, they're responsible for such incidents. There could be some foreign powers behind this that want to weaken India," he claimed.

In order to maintain peace and tranquility in Jahangirpuri following the communal violence, DCP North West at Kushal Chowk organized a meeting with the members of 'Aman' community from Mahendra Park and Adarsh Nagar. During the meeting, all the members were asked to appeal to the public in their areas to maintain peace, harmony, and tranquility. 

They were also requested to counter any rumour/ misinformation, be vigilant towards the activities of any mischievous/anti-social elements, keep in touch with police, and ensure immediate reporting of anything suspicious that comes to their notice.

1. _{ZAHID ALJAFUDDIN 22}
2. _{ANSHAR ALLAUDDIN 35}
3. _{SHAHJAD ALI AKBAR 33}
4. _{MUKHTYAR ALI SAMABUL 28}
5. _{MOHD ALI SHEIKH HASAN 22}
6. _{AMIR FAZLUREHMAN 22}
7. _{AKSHAR SHIEKH SMAUL 26}
8. _{NOOR ALAM REHMAN  28}
9. _{MOHD ASLAM SMAUL 22}
10. _{ZAKIR RAFIQ 22}
11. _{AMRAM SHAKIL 22}
12. _{IMTIYAZ ISRAIL 29}
13. _{MOHD ALI ISRAFIL 27}
14. _{AHIR HANIF KHAN 35}

One of the accused who shot sub-inspector Meda Lal during communal violence in Jahangirpuri has been arrested. The pistol used in the commission of the crime has been recovered from his possession, the Delhi Police said.

Inspector Rajeev Ranjan, who was deployed in the Jahangirpuri Police station area said in the FIR, that the Hanuman Jayanti procession was underway peacefully when it reached the C-Block mosque. A man with his 4-5 others started arguing with those taking part in the procession, which resulted in stone pelting from both sides, he said. 

"Police engaged in security for the religious procession separated the groups but after some time clashes erupted between the two sides. On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, there was an attempt to create communal tension by stone-pelting," the officer said. 

As per the latest updates, five more accused persons have been arrested in connection with Jahangirpuri violence, further investigation is in progress, DCP North-West Usha Rangnani stated.

An FIR has been registered in the Jahangirpuri police station under Sections 147, 148, 149, 186, 353, 332, 323, 427,  436, 307, 120B of the IPC and 27 of the  Arms Act dated April 16. At least nine accused persons have been arrested in connection with the violence that injured nine people including a co. 

Sub Inspector Meda Lal suffered a gunshot wound on his left arm in a case of private firing, the FIR states. It also mentions that 40-50 rounds of tear gas were shelled to bring the situation in Jahangirpuri under control. 

Nine accused persons arrested have been so far arrested in connection with the violence in Jahangirpuri, DCP North-West Usha Rangnani said. She informed that nine people, including 8 police personnel and 1 civilian were injured in the communal clashes that broke out on Saturday. One Sub-inspector sustained a bullet injury. His condition is stable, the said DCP.

Police teams are on high alert in sensitive areas across Uttar Pradesh and areas adjoining Delhi, following the Jahangirpuri violence. Arvind Chaurasia, CO Kotwali, said the law and order situation is normal in Meerut and timely action will be taken in case a situation arises.

A day after communal clashes broke out in the national capital's Jahangirpuri area, top leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal have decided to hold multiple processions across Delhi-NCR.

On Saturday, a Shobha Yatra procession, raking out on Hanuman Jayanti had come under attack by unknown miscreants. 

Heavy police deployment was seen on Sunday morning in Delhi's Jahangirpuri area where a clash broke out during a religious procession last night. The situation is said to be under control. 

BJP MP from North-West Delhi, Hans Raj Hans, visited the Jahangirpuri area in Delhi, where a clash broke out during a Shobha Yatra on April 16

He said, "I couldn't sleep and wanted to go and check the situation myself. Union Home Minister is also awake, keeping every minute's track." Many agencies and forces are on the case... the matter will very soon be disclosed as to who was responsible what happened, Hans added. 
 

Stone pelting was reported after Shobha Yatra in New Delhi on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. In the visuals from the incident site, plumes of smoke can be seen emerging. Reportedly, multiple cops were injured, including one shot at, in the Jahangirpuri incident. Heavy police force has been deployed in the city.

Dozens of people were involved in the confrontation. One footage showed swords being waved within meters of where the Police are standing after the Shobha Yatra in New Delhi.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has condemned the violence in Jahangirpuri in which many police officials were injured. He also appealed to people to maintain peace.

"The incident of stone-pelting in the procession in Jahangir Puri, Delhi is highly condemnable. Strict action should be taken against those who are guilty. Appeal to all people- Keep the peace by holding each other's hand," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

In another tweet, Kejriwal said that he spoke to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, who assured him that "all steps are being taken to ensure peace and that guilty will not be spared

Taking cognizance of the incident, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Delhi Police Commissioner and directed him to be on the ground to monitor the law and order situation. Additional forces have been deployed in areas adjoining Jehangirpuri to prevent any unforeseen circumstances. 

Delhi Police commissioner Rakesh Asthana also reiterated that the situation is under control and adequate forces have been deployed.

"Our senior officers are on the ground and patrolling is being done in all areas. Strict action will be taken against the people involved. First priority was containment which is already done," Delhi Police Commissioner told Republic.

Alamuddin, a truck driver who witnessed the violence in Jahangirpuri said, "We were stopped by force and they (miscreants) started pelting stones on the glass of the car. When we got out of the vehicle, they hit us. They followed us to the police station and attacked the policemen too. An FIR has been lodged."

A cleaner named Mulayam Singh also made similar claims, stating, "There was no reason to vandalize the car. When they came to the police station, they hit us and the policemen too."

The religious procession that was carried out on Hanuman Jayanti was not only a Shobha Yatra but also Tiranga rally, sources say. In a video accessed by Republic TV, people in the rally were also holding national flags when miscreants began stone pelting at them in Jahangirpuri.

According to sources, the case of Jahangirpuri violence has been assigned to the special cell and crime branch of the Delhi Police. Ten teams have been formed to investigate the stone-pelting incident, sources said.