Activists question policemen's role in Trilokpuri riots

Social activists, who had filed a petition before the Lieutenant Governor, after the Trilokpuri riots claimed that Delhi Police are trying to under-report the number of injured during the communal clash last month. Police claim only 16 people were injured and eight of them had sustained gunshot wounds.

The petitioners told Deccan Herald that they are aware of at least 40 people, including women, being injured and hospitalised during the three-day violence in east Delhi which began on October 23.

“We strongly condemn the police effort to cover their misdeeds as during our fact-finding, we found women with wounds having them saying to be caused by police women, if not men completely,” said Kiran Shaheen, a journalist, teacher and activist.

Kiran also said despite continued efforts to connect with concerned ‘high officials’ demanding prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure since October 24, police imposed it only on October 25 evening after much destruction and arrests.

“Police say that out of 49 arrested people, 37 were found innocent. Who are the rest 12 who are found guilty? How many from which community?” Kiran added.

Social activist Shabnam Hashmi said strong action should be initiated against local police, as similar incidents of communal violence were kept under control in other parts of the city.

“During the same period, incidents of communal violence were reported from Bawana, Bhajanpura and Jamia Nagar, but police prevented riot-like situations. It means local police allowed communal clashes and should be blamed for the situation in Trilokpuri.

Police should avoid face-saving strategies and take action against those responsible,” she added.

A petition signed by activists, academicians and citizens was sent to Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and Delhi Police Commissioner Bhim Sain Bassi on October 26.

It highlighted deep concern about the role and steps taken by police to restore communal peace and harmony.

The petition had also alleged that young men were illegally detained for long periods, and political representatives were permitted to enter police stations. The group claimed that the arrested youths were kept without food for more than 36 hours in police custody and not taken to hospital.

“Rightly or wrongly, it had created an impression of communal and political bias and a lack of fairness. This was not conducive to restoring peace in the area,” said social worker Harsh Mander.

On Monday, Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat had said over 66 people were injured in the riots, but only 16 of them were civilians.

Over 50 police personnel, including additional deputy commissioner of police, assistant commissioner of police and inspector-rank officers were the others injured.

Police also denied that male officers of the department had used force against Muslim women during riots.

On October 30, Social Democratic Party of India had also filed a complaint before Delhi Minorities Commission alleging that the action taken by police during the riots was partisan and that male officers had used force against Muslim women. Police said a large contingent of women police force was deployed in the area, so the question of male police officers dealing with women does not arise at all.