Normalcy returned to Chawri Bazar with traders returning to their shops on Wednesday, three days after the area witnessed communal tension after a temple was allegedly vandalised.
Shyam Agarwal, a trader, said: “On Monday morning, I was shocked to find the entire market shut due to Sunday’s scuffle. I have never seen such a situation in the last 20 years. I appreciate the efforts made by the police, administration and locals in restoring normalcy.”
Daily-wage workers, who suffered the most due to the shut-down, welcomed efforts made by people of different communities to restore peace in the market.
Meanwhile, hours after Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik met Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday, more persons involved in vandalism were arrested. Mandeep Singh Randhawa, DCP (Central), said that they have arrested a total of five persons and apprehended four juveniles for their involvement in vandalism, following a scuffle between two men over parking. All of them are locals, he added. The Special Cell, Crime Branch, is also investigating the matter.
“The accused were identified with the help of CCTV footage and mobile clips obtained by the police. We have formed five teams to nab accused involved in the attack,” said Mr. Randhawa.
More arrests likely
He also said that most of the people in the mob that vandalised the area have been identified and will be arrested, adding that one of the arrested accused was involved in two criminal cases.
Mr. Patnaik said that he had briefed the Home Minister about the situation at Chawri Bazar and that everything was under control.
On the other hand, people living near the temple premises have alleged police inaction in the case.
“Why was not a single person arrested just after the attack took place, even after CCTV footage was provided to the police for their identification? Why did they wait for political interference into the matter?,” said Babloo, a resident of Gali Durga Wali.
Another resident said, “After the crowd was dispersed from Hauz Qazi police station, it straightaway reached the temple and started the vandalism. Why did the police not act immediately and instead waited for senior officers to arrive?”
