Police announce reward on Metro station rioters

Four persons, who headed a mob assault on three Nigerian nationals at Rajiv Chowk Metro station in September, now carry a reward of Rs 25,000 on their heads. 

Police have put out posters carrying their photographs, captured by CCTV cameras at the station, at Metro stations and public places.

A mob had beaten up the Nigerian nationals after a woman allegedly accused them of passing lewd comments at her in a Metro train. She, however, did not lodge a complaint.

“We analysed the CCTV footage to identify the persons who were behind the hour-long ruckus. Four men have been identified. We tried to follow them with the help of CCTV cameras of the Metro, but have failed to nab them,” said a police officer.

The three men had to be taken to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after they suffered injuries on their face and arms. Though police denied that it was a race attack, a case was registered on their statement with Yamuna Depot Metro police station.

The case is under sections 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 323 (causing hurt) and 353 ) assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of the IPC. They are also charged under Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

It is claimed that, on Sept 28, the woman had told the Metro station’s security guards about  alleged harassment. The guards were escorting the three men outside the station when they were confronted by the crowd. The injured Nigerian nationals are on student visas.

Yamuna Depot Metro police station was initially investigating the probe, but now its being done by Qutub Minar Metro police station.