Cops ask locals to keep peace at mosque site

In the wake of violence erupted at the disputed Akabarabadi Mosque’s site at Subhash Park, Delhi police have appealed several local and religious leaders to maintain law and order in the area.

The senior police officials have directed the local area station house officer (SHO) to ask the clergies and local leaders to cooperate with the police in maintaining peace and abide by the High Court’s order.

The orders have been issued to the SHO after protesters calshed with the police outside the mosque’s site late on Saturday night.

On Saturday, the mob demanded to open the gate of the mosque defying the court order to cordon off the disputed site.

When the protesters attacked policemen deployed at the area by pelting stones at them, cops resorted to use of tear shells to disperse the crowd.

Around 10 police men received injuries. A cop, who sustained injuries in his eyes being hit by a stone, was rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital.

“The standoff started around 12 am and continued for four hours till morning,” said a police officer.

The agitated protesters also torched four police patrolling motorcycles and vandalised six government vehicles, including police vans and low-floor DTC buses.

“We have arrested two persons in this connection. An inspector, head constable and eight constables were injured when the mob pelted stones at them,” said a senior police officer.

Police have registered three cases against the protesters for creating ruckus, damaging government property and attacking government officials on duty.

After a few stones and remains of an old structure were discovered early this month at the site excavated for Delhi Metro work, some people from the area claimed that the ruins were those of the 17th century Mughal-era Akbarabadi Mosque.

Construction of a fresh structure at the site had begun but the Delhi High Court ordered to halt it on Friday.

Following the court order, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation and police cordoned off the area and handed over the site to Archaeological Survey of India.