Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar took to Twitter and slammed Delhi Police after an order signed by Special CP (Crime & Economic Offences Wing) Praveer Ranjan was reported amid the ongoing investigation of riots that took place in the national capital in February.
A report in the Indian Express cites the order issued by Ranjan to senior officers heading teams probing the Northeast Delhi riots, highlights “resentment among Hindu community” over arrests of “some Hindu youth”, and “due care and precaution” must be taken while making arrests.
Javed wrote, “Its official now Dehi police special CP Praveen Ranjan has written in an order “there is a degree of resentment” in Hindus “over the arrest of some Hindu youths” in riot hit areas. He ordered the senior officers to “suitably guide the junior officers" His message is loud n clear.”
The arrests mentioned are of “some Hindu youth from Chand Bagh and Khajuri Khas areas of Northeast Delhi”.
According to the order, “community representatives are alleging that these arrests are made without any evidence and are even insinuating that such arrests are being made for some personal reasons.”
It further mentions two Muslim men and the resentment among the Hindu community for over alleged police inaction against them, who are alleged to have been involved in mobilising Muslims during the riots and protests.
The order states, “Due care and precaution be taken while arresting any person. All evidences including direct and technical evidences be properly analysed and that all the arrests are backed by sufficient evidence be ensured. No arbitrary arrest should be made in any case and all evidences must be discussed with Special PPs (public prosecutors) assigned for each case,” it states, adding: “Supervisory officers ACPs/DCPs — SIT & Additional CP/Crime (Headquarters) may guide the IOs (investigating officers) suitably.”
However, Delhi Police PRO Mandeep S Randhawa maintains that the news item “conveniently ignores the spirit of the order where it has been specifically stated that ‘any arrest’, irrespective of any class, community or religious group, be done on the basis of evidence and not give an impression of being arbitrary.”
Communal clashes had broken out in northeast Delhi on February 24 after violence between Citizenship Amendment Act supporters and protesters spiralled out of control leaving at least 53 people dead and around 200 injured.
