Delhi passes tense night amid violence rumours

Rumours of mob attacks across Delhi have made for a tense night in the Indian capital, which is still reeling from the aftermath of deadly riots. On Sunday, false reports of violence and homes being burned were being widely circulated on WhatsApp, reports BBC. Police issued statements and legislators took to the streets to reassure people they were not true. The death toll from the three days of violence in Delhi last week, largely targeting Muslims, has risen to 46.

A total of 38 have been reported dead at the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, three at Lok Nayak Hospital, four at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and one at Jag Parvesh Chander Hospital. Four bodies were fished out from the drains in Gokalpuri and Shiv Vihar areas of the violence-affected northeast area on Sunday.

More than 200 others were injured in the violence, which  

first broke out between supporters and opponents of a controversial citizenship law that critics say discriminates against Muslims.

However, the violence soon took on communal overtones with reports of many Muslim shops and homes being attacked.

Although the dead and injured comprise people from both the Hindu and Muslim communities, it is largely Muslims who have been affected, with thousands being displaced.  Even though the violence had largely abated by Wednesday, the city remains on edge.

On Sunday evening, reports of renewed mob violence in a number of areas in west and south-west Delhi began circulating on WhatsApp. The rumours included everything from reports of gunshots, of armed groups marching in neighbourhoods while chanting slogans, and houses being set on fire.  One train station in the area was shut amid reports of mobs gathering.  People stayed inside their homes, and there were reports that taxis and three-wheeler drivers were refusing to pick up passengers.

As the messages spread, police were inundated with calls. More than 500 distress calls were made from west Delhi alone, causing a mobile network jam in the city.

The police then put out a statement, saying the reports were unsubstantiated and asking people not to spread rumours. “A rumour has been noticed that there is some tension in Khyala-Raghubir Nagar area of West District. There is no truth behind it. All are requested to keep calm as the situation is absolutely normal & peaceful,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) West Deepak Purohit said on Sunday, according to IndiaToday report.

 

Delhi passes tense night amid violence rumours

Rumours of mob attacks across Delhi have made for a tense night in the Indian capital, which is still reeling from the aftermath of deadly riots. On Sunday, false reports of violence and homes being burned were being widely circulated on WhatsApp, reports BBC. Police issued statements and legislators took to the streets to reassure people they were not true. The death toll from the three days of violence in Delhi last week, largely targeting Muslims, has risen to 46. A total of 38 have been reported dead at the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, three at Lok Nayak Hospital, four at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and one at Jag Parvesh Chander Hospital. Four bodies were fished out from the drains in Gokalpuri and Shiv Vihar areas of the violence-affected northeast area on Sunday. More than 200 others were injured in the violence, which first broke out between supporters and opponents of a controversial citizenship law that critics say discriminates against Muslims. However, the violence soon took on communal overtones with reports of many Muslim shops and homes being attacked. Although the dead and injured comprise people from both the Hindu and Muslim communities, it is largely Muslims who have been affected, with thousands being displaced. Even though the violence had largely abated by Wednesday, the city remains on edge. On Sunday evening, reports of renewed mob violence in a number of areas in west and south-west Delhi began circulating on WhatsApp. The rumours included everything from reports of gunshots, of armed groups marching in neighbourhoods while chanting slogans, and houses being set on fire. One train station in the area was shut amid reports of mobs gathering. People stayed inside their homes, and there were reports that taxis and three-wheeler drivers were refusing to pick up passengers. As the messages spread, police were inundated with calls. More than 500 distress calls were made from west Delhi alone, causing a mobile network jam in the city. The police then put out a statement, saying the reports were unsubstantiated and asking people not to spread rumours. A rumour has been noticed that there is some tension in Khyala-Raghubir Nagar area of West District. There is no truth behind it. All are requested to keep calm as the situation is absolutely normal peaceful, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) West Deepak Purohit said on Sunday, according to IndiaToday report.