Trilokpuri clash: 14 arrested for spreading rumours

Police today arrested 14 persons for spreading rumours and fanning tension in east Delhi's Trilokpuri locality even as no fresh violence was reported and situation remained "under control" despite being tense in the area which has been on the boil during the last three days following a clash between two groups on Diwali night.

Prohibitory orders remained imposed in the area and large contingent of police personnel along with Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were keeping a tight vigil in Trilokpuri area which is divided in 36 blocks.

Over 30 PCR vans, water cannons and riots control vehicles were stationed in the area.

"We have arrested 14 persons for spreading rumours and false information in the locality. The situation is tense but under control. No fresh violence or clash has taken place today," Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Ajay Kumar said.

Those arrested have been booked under IPC section 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), section 182 (false information) among others.

Those arrested have not just been spreading rumours and misinformation through social media but had also made hoax calls to police about violence and stone pelting, police said.

Police appealed the people of the area to maintain peace and harmony and not to believe rumours.

Eerie calm prevailed in the area as locals preferred to stay at home. Those who ventured out to buy essentials claimed that outsiders had stoked violence in the area.

"Some outsiders had started Diwali night's incident which catapulted into a full blown clash among two communities and now we are suffering," said Aman Singh, who had come out to buy milk.

Yesterday, five persons had suffered gunshot injuries in the clashes. Till last evening, 35 people, including 13 policemen had reportedly sustained injuries in the three days of violent clashes.

More than 70 miscreants have been arrested so far in connection with the incident and combing operations were on. Police has advised the public to refrain from visiting the area.

Local Aman (peace) Committees have been activated for early restoration of normalcy and elders of all the communities have been roped in by the police to establish peace.

Residents of the locality have been fighting pitched battles since Diwali's night and also pelted stones on security personnel. A number of vehicles belonging to locals and policemen were vandalised in the area.

According to the police, 14 persons, including 13 policemen, were injured in Friday night's violence and 10 persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in rioting.

Fresh violence had erupted yesterday after which around 60 miscreants were arrested by the police.

"Certains incidents were reported in some highly-congested blocks of Trilokpuri.
Police had to use the required minimum force to deal with the situation and we have apprehended over 60 miscreants for rioting and arson. Five persons are reported to be injured due to gunshot injury," Delhi Police said in a statement.