Uneasy calm after Delhi violence, 22 detained

New Delhi  : An uneasy calm prevailed in parts of east Delhi where largescale violence overnight left one man dead, with police Monday saying they had detained 22 people for attempted murder and more.

Even as police said the situation was under control, roads in and around Mayur Vihar Phase III were mostly deserted. Schools and shops in the areas remained shut fearing a possible flare-up.

“We have detained 22 people for yesterday’s violence. We have not arrested anyone,” Deputy Commissioner of Police P.S. Kushwaha told IANS.

One man was killed and many others were injured, including 15 policemen, in Mayur Vihar Phase III when police opened fire after a mob that went on the rampage after two men on a two-wheeler were injured when police tried to stop them.

The unrest quickly enveloped the adjoining Khoda colony in Ghaziabad district in Uttar Pradesh.

“An inquiry has been ordered into the violence to find out whether it was due to police action or was the public responsible,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police M.B. Mishra.

Police have registered cases of rioting, attempt to murder and arson.
About 600 policemen, including from the Central Reserve Police Force, have been deployed.

As wary shopkeepers kept the shutters down, five schools announced they were temporarily shutting down. Government schools that were open reported low attendance.

Police barred the media from speaking to people in the predominantly lower middle class locality.

Tea shop vendor Balram, in his 50s, told IANS: “A small mistake led to this huge thing and has affected everyone.”

The whole thing was ignited by police attempts to stop two men on a two-wheeler who were not wearing helmets.

Police said the two were drunk and tried to flee when a traffic policeman tried to stop them.

A witness, however, said a police officer threw a stick at them. As a result, they fell on the road.

One of the injured, Kamruddin, in his 20s, was in critical condition Monday.

A mob immediately started pelting stones at the police team. They also set a DTC bus, a mini truck, a car, three bikes and the police booth on fire.

Police said they fired shots in the air and tear gas. Police refused to say if the man died in the police firing or not.

The deceased has been identified as Vinod Singh Negi, 25, a sole bread earner of a family of three.

The incident led Delhi and Uttar Pradesh Police to trade charges.

While the Uttar Pradesh Police claimed they helped control the situation, Delhi Police denied it.