Jahangirpuri became the centre of attention of the national media after violence erupted on 16th April 2022. The incident occurred during a Shobha Yatra commemorating Hanuman Jayanti. The Shobha Yatra was the third that day and had stopped in front of the mosque while Ramadan prayers were ongoing.
According to multiple reports, the police stated that the violence erupted after a group of Muslims argued with a group of Hindus. The argument soon got out of hand and both the groups began pelting stones at each other while vandalising properties including cars.
Furthermore, the police arrested Ansar and Mohammad Aslam as the prime accused and conspirators in the case. In addition, the Delhi police investigated whether the VHP and Bajrang Dal had staged a procession without prior permission. However, the VHP spokesperson, Vinod Bansal, stated that they had received prior permission, which the Indian Express could access.
Due to the violence, several people were injured, including a police inspector who was shot. Nearly 23 people accused of the violence were arrested, including two juveniles. They were charged under several acts, including the National Security Act (NSA).
Just when the tensions were starting to ease, the North Delhi Municipal Corporations began to take out demolition drives to clear out illegal encroachments. The NDMC had dispatched 9 bulldozers and requested 400 police officers to keep peace in the region.
Several hundred officers in riot gear stood in front of several shops and a mosque. As soon as the bulldozers began demolishing the structures in the region, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice NV Ramana gave a verbal stay order till the next hearing.
However, the demolition drive did not subsidise and the bulldozers went on to demolish several shops before demolishing the mosque’s gate and wall. Officials had stated that they would continue until they received written orders from the court.
Several witnesses and victims have claimed that they had not received any prior notice of the demolition drives. Furthermore, CPM leader Brindra Karat arrived on the scene with a physical copy of the order in an attempt to halt the demolition drives. She attempted to persuade civic and police officials to halt the drive. In a video, she could be seen standing in front of a bulldozer blocking its path.
CPI(M) Leader Brinda Karat stood in front of a JCB to halt demolition drive in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri at 12.10 pm. Drive continued till 12.15 pm despite SC asking MCD to maintain status quo around 11 am. Action a few days after communal clashes on 16 April. @TheQuint @QuintHindi pic.twitter.com/JLH8RcvprZ
— Eshwar (@hey_eshwar) April 20, 2022
While the saga was occurring, Twitter was quick to react to the incident.
Not an inch further!#Jahangirpuri #BrindaKarat pic.twitter.com/WqdVs58nyf
— Vikash Swaroop (@VikasSwaroop2) April 20, 2022
#SupremeCourt #Jahangirpuri #Bulldozer #MCD
My #cartoon for @News9Tweets pic.twitter.com/BVDauqoNlp— MANJUL (@MANJULtoons) April 20, 2022
This is how they came to Muslim Mohallas in Jahangirpuri. There were no police to prevent the criminals. And Delhi police is arresting Muslim men. Where should Muslims go for justice?#jahangirpuri#DelhiRiots pic.twitter.com/2EXEjZZADL
— Mohamed Shakif (@ShakifPFI) April 17, 2022
"Aap log acha nahi karrahe ho, zulm karrahe ho, Ramzan ke mahine main aisa karrahe ho" You are opressing us, this is all wrong. Muslims locked up in their lanes as shops demolished. #Jahangirpuri full report @thewire_in https://t.co/4cgUBQXvHG pic.twitter.com/LvjTSI77vV
— Sumedhapal (@Sumedhapal4) April 20, 2022
Not MUSLIMS houses, only the illegal constructions of rioters in #Jahangirpuri are demolished using #Bulldozer and also to remove Illegal Encroachment from roads & government land occupied by Bangladeshi.#StopBulldozingMuslimHouses #DelhiRiots2022 https://t.co/bbwpIIKRKU
— Ek Hindu🚩#BoycottBrahmastra (@SaffronVoice_) April 20, 2022
References: The News Hamster and Wikipedia.
Featured image source: India TV News
