Violence breaks out in Delhi’s Hanuman Jayanti procession

New Delhi, April 16: Clashes broke out between two communities during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in northwest Delhi’s Jahangirpuri area on Saturday, leaving several police personnel injured.
Police said there was stone-pelting and some vehicles were also torched in the violence that occurred at around 6 PM. Additional police forces have been rushed to Jahangirpuri and other communally sensitive areas.
Delhi Police PRO Anyesh Roy told PTI that it was a traditional procession taken out on Hanuman Jayanti every year.
“’When the procession reached Kushal Cinema, a clash broke out between two communities. Stones were also pelted,” Roy said.
“The police deployed with the procession intervened and brought the situation under control but because of the stone pelting, some policemen were injured and were taken to hospital for treatment. The situation is under control. All senior officers are on the spot. Since it is a sensitive area, additional police forces have been made available,” he said.
According to the information so far, around 5-6 police personnel and a couple of civilians have been injured, said an official.
In a purported video of the incident, several people could be seen pelting stones during the procession. Some are seen brandishing swords on a street while others were hurling abuses and a police siren could also be heard in the background.
PTI could not independently check the authenticity of the video.
Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said that strict action will be taken against rioters and requested citizens not to pay heed to rumours and fake news on social media.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to the Commissioner of Police and Special Commissioner (law and order) and directed them to take all necessary action following the violence, sources said.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the incident is extremely condemnable and appealed to all to maintain peace.
He said the Lieutenant Governor has assured him that all steps are being to ensure peace and that guilty will not be spared. (PTI)