Jahangirpuri Violence: Delhi CP Asthana Says No Attempt Made To Hoist Saffron Flag At Mosque, 23 Arrested

Rakesh Asthana's clarification comes as social media posts claimed that the clashes erupted as people in the Hanuman Jayanti procession attempted to hoist saffron flag at a mosque in Jahangirpuri.

New Delhi: Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana on Monday said that no attempt was made to hoist a saffron flag at a mosque during the Hanuman Jayanti procession on Saturday evening (April 16).

The statement is pertaining to the Jahangirpuri violence case wherein 23 accused persons have been arrested till now. Eight of them have previous criminal records, the Delhi Police chief informed, as reported by news agency PTI.

Rakesh Asthana's clarification comes as several social media posts claimed that the clashes erupted as people in the Hanuman Jayanti procession attempted to hoist saffron flag at a mosque in Jahangirpuri. 

Addressing a press briefing in the national capital, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana warned that legal action will be taken against those who are found spreading misinformation on social media.

"23 accused arrested till now. 9 people including police personnel and one civilian received injuries during the incident. Analysis of CCTV footage and digital media is being done. Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams have visited the scene of crime today," he mentioned, as quoted by news agency ANI.

Delhi Police Commissioner cautioned that "some people are trying to disturb peace through the medium of social media."

"We are monitoring social media closely, and legal action will be taken against those who are found spreading misinformation. Public should not pay heed to rumours," he emphasised.

He further stressed that action will be taken against any person found guilty "irrespective of their class, creed, community, and religion."

Clashes broke out after stone-pelting incidents were reported from the Jahangirpuri area in the national capital on Saturday evening (April 16) during Shobha Yatra.

Several vehicles were vandalised by miscreants and police officials were also attacked in the incident.

An accused who allegedly fired a bullet that hit sub-inspector Meda Lal was among those arrested. Two juveniles have also been apprehended in connection with the incident, police informed earlier.

Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana last night visited Sub-Inspector Meda Lal of Jahangirpuri Police Station at his residence to know about his well-being. The Delhi Police chief assured him of all possible support from the department.

Drone patrolling, intensive rooftop surveillance in sensitive areas of Delhi, deployment of additional police forces, and meetings with Aman (peace) committee members were among the major measures taken by Delhi Police on Sunday to maintain law and order in the city.

The heavy police presence along with the deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) in Jahangirpuri continued on Monday.

(With Inputs By Agencies)