Jahangirpuri violence: Not true, says Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana on claims of bid to hoist saffron flags at mosque

Sources said a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed and they will probe, among other things, claims that the neighbourhood harbours “Bangladeshi immigrants”. This comes after several BJP leaders alleged that the violence started because of the involvement of illegal immigrants. “During investigation, the SIT has scanned documents of arrested persons, but they have not found anything to suggest this so far. Their call records and bank details are being checked to find if they have links to any illegal outfit,” said a senior officer.

Asthana also said action will be taken without bias: “We will take action on anyone against whom evidence of involvement is found — irrespective of religion, creed, caste and community. I have made it very clear that whoever is involved in the incident will have to face the court of law and we will bring them to justice.”

Asked whether there would be action against the organisers of the yatra and if the violence was premeditated, he said a probe was underway.

On questions being raised over the fairness of investigation and claims that a key accused may have political affiliations, Asthana said: “It (the probe) has to be professional and we will do a professional investigation. Social media and digital evidence will be collected. Those who were physically and virtually part of the crime will be booked.”

Informing that the Hanuman Jayanti procession was passing through a traditional route, Asthana said, “It was the third procession and two processions had already crossed the area peacefully that day.”

The Crime Branch SIT has five assistant commissioners of police and 10 inspectors. “Two ACPs have been asked to probe the cyber aspect, while another ACP has been asked to analyse call details record of the arrested persons, and one ACP has been asked to use a facial recognition system (FRS) for assistance with the INNEFU team,” said a senior police officer.

“Officers have also been asked to check call logs from the police control room (PCR) and meet all callers to record their statements,” an officer said.

Asthana said of the people arrested in the case so far, at least eight have a criminal record, with some being arrested in the past on charges ranging from rioting to attempt to murder.