photo: Head constable Ratan Lal who was killed as pro-and anti-CAA groups battled each other in east Delhi's Maujpur on Feb 24

New Delhi, Feb 25
After the death of 'innocent' Delhi Police Head Constable Ratan Lal, the senior officers have now swung into action. But on Saturday and Sunday, when the conspiracy was being hatched in the most sensitive area of northeast Delhi, these same officers were enjoying their weekend.

After the day-long violence and five deaths, which included the Head Constable, on Monday, the Home Minister called a meeting at night. Thereafter, the senior police officials tried to lead from the front on Tuesday morning.

Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik visited the violence affected areas late on Monday night.

On Tuesday morning, senior officers including Special Commissioner of Police Satish Golcha, Joint Commissioner Alok Kumar and the DCPs of all the districts deployed their forces in the violence hit areas to control the situation. However, before these officers swung into action, seven people had already died and around 90 had been injured.

But even after the Delhi Police deployed more than 30 companies, the situation could not be controlled.

At the Ghaziabad-Seemapuri border around 3,000 people clashed, with the paramilitary forces and policemen trying to control the situation.

According to an eyewitness: "The situation is still tense here till now (Tuesday 4 p.m.). Stone pelting and firing are taking place interminably. The maximum number of incidents of violence, arson and firing were reported from Maujpur, Babarpur, Gokulpuri, Kabir Nagar and nearby areas".

4 more dead in anti-CAA violence, death toll reaches 9

The death toll in the anti-CAA violence that flared up in northeast Delhi since Saturday, reached nine on Tuesday.

Medical Superintendent of the Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Dr Sunil Kumar Gupta, told the media that four more people succumbed to their injuries on Tuesday.

Earlier on Monday, five persons, including a head constable, had died following incessant stone-throwing and clashes between supporters and opponents of the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Meanwhile, Patparganj's Max Hospital, where many injured policemen are admitted, said in a statement, "Max Hospital, Patparganj received a total of 10 policemen with injuries sustained in civic unrest in parts of Delhi. Three patients are undergoing treatment at the hospital, while the other seven have been discharged after evaluation and medical aid."

Earlier in the day, local MP Gautam Gambhir visited the hospital to meet DCP, Shahdara, Amit Sharma, ACP Anuj Jain and Head Constable Yashpal, who were seriously injured on Monday during the violent anti-CAA protests.

On Monday, a Delhi Police head constable was killed as pro-and anti-CAA groups battled each other even as Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony.

Head constable Ratan Lal lost his life while a youth was injured in the clashes. The youth was injured by a bullet fired by the unruly protesters, while several vehicles and a house in the vicinity were set ablaze.

Several areas including Jaffrabad, Maujpur, and Gokulpuri remained tense on Monday. The police used tear gas in a bid to control the violence.

Hand over North-East Delhi to Army: Owaisi

Hyderabad, Feb 25 (IANS) AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday demanded that the violence hit-North-East Delhi be handed over to the Army.

The Hyderabad MP voiced concern over the situation in the national capital where clashes between pro and anti-CAA protesters have so far claimed nine lives, including a head constable of Delhi Police. Owaisi tweeted that Army should be called to restore peace.

"The situation in North East Delhi is only getting worse. If @PMOIndia wants to restore peace, it is incumbent on you that Army takes over the area," tweeted Owaisi.

"Cops have abdicated their duty & are colluding with mobs. The only way to secure lives & limbs is to hand over the area to the Army," he added.

Earlier, he told reporters that the violence in Delhi was state-sponsored.

Owaisi said the violence started after BJP leader Kapil Mishra issued an ultimatum. "He was standing with the concerned DCP. Why the DCP did not stop him," he asked.

He said the BJP leader gave the ultimatum with tacit support of the government.

Owaisi said the videos which had come out clearly show how police had colluded with the rioters.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President wondered why the government had not yet condemned the violence.

Referring to the statements made by some ministers that some elements resorted to violence in view of US President Donald Trump's visit, Owaisi said if the government had prior information, why didn't it act to prevent the violence.

The MP slammed the government for not quickly sending the additional forces and imposing curfew to contain the violence.

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Delhi violence: Situation out of control, security forces helpless; 4 more dead