Head constable, 3 citizens killed, DCP hurt in fresh clashes over CAA

Protesters hurl stones during clashes between a group of anti-CAA protesters and supporters of the new citizenship act, at Jaffrabad. Pics/ PTI

A head constable was among four people killed and at least 50 others, including several paramilitary and Delhi police personnel, were injured as violence spiralled over the amended citizenship law in northeast Delhi, turning it into a battlefield on Monday with frenzied protesters torching houses, shops, vehicles and a petrol pump, and hurling stones. This is the second day of clashes in the city where US President Donald Trump arrived on Monday evening on the main leg of his India visit.

Police fired tear gas shells and resorted to lathicharge as clashes broke out between pro and anti CAA groups at Jaffrabad, Maujpur, Chandbagh, Khureji Khas and Bhajanpura. Security personnel conducted flag marches and prohibitory orders were clamped to bring the situation under control. Ratan Lal, 42, a head constable attached to the office of the ACP Gokalpuri, died after he sustained injuries during stone pelting at Gokalpuri. Three civilians succumbed to injuries in the clashes, a Delhi government official said, adding 50 people with injuries had come to hospitals for treatment. At least 11 police personnel, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Shahdara, Amit Sharma and ACP (Gokalpuri) Anuj Kumar were injured while trying to quell the protests. Two CRPF personnel were also injured, sources said.

Shots fired

A man was also seen moving towards a Delhi police personnel with a gun in his hand. He fired a few rounds in the air. He is yet to be identified.

'Situation under control'

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla told reporters the situation in the national capital was fully under control and sufficient forces were deployed on ground. Officials said at least eight companies (100 personnel each) of central armed police were present on the ground, besides the Delhi police. All private and government schools in Northeast Delhi district will remain closed on Tuesday in the wake of the violence, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted.

A man was seen brandishing a pistol during the clashes at Jaffrabad

Government sources said the violence in the national capital appears to have been "orchestrated" by some for publicity as it comes at a time when Trump is visiting the country. They said Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik was stationed at the police control room and closely monitoring the situation.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy on Monday also said the violence was orchestrated. "Violence in North-East Delhi was orchestrated with an eye on US President Donald Trump's visit to India. I condemn it. A Head Constable also lost his life in the violence. The Government of India will never tolerate violence. We will take strict action against those responsible. Ministry of Home Affairs is monitoring the situation," Reddy told ANI.

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