Delhi LG Anil Baijal Directs Police Commissioner: 'Barricade Shaheen Bagh', 'Frisk Outsiders'

Soon after a man fired two rounds of bullets in air at the Shaheen Bagh area, the epicentre of the protest against the country's new citizenship law on Saturday, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has directed Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik to ensure outsiders and suspicious characters are thoroughly frisked before they can access the protest side. 

The man, identified himself as Kapil Gujjar, was later taken into the police custody.

The sources said as the Delhi Assembly elections are approaching, the police have been asked to keep a tight vigil so that there is no untoward incident in the national capital.

Also Read | WATCH | Shaheen Bagh Protest: What Did Kapil Gujjar Say After Firing Bullets

They said that the police will also take the help of local volunteers to facilitate frisking people entering the protest site. The sources said that the police will also randomly check people roaming around the protest site.

"The police has been directed to make all arrangements necessary for ensuring smooth access to exercise franchise to all sections of the society and instil confidence through effective public security," a source said.

Man chants ‘Jai Shree Ram’

In the latest incident, no one was injured that came even as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a poll rally in Delhi's northwest Rohini area alleged that those who support terrorists in Kashmir are staging protest at Shaheen Bagh.

Gujjar chanted “Jai Shree Ram” and said, “hamare desh me aur kisi ki nahi chalegi, sirf Hindu ki chalegi (only Hindus shall have a say in our country, no one else),” as he was taken into custody by the Delhi Police.

“The accused fired in air near police barricades. He was overpowered by police personnel and taken into custody. Further investigation is on,” Chinmoy Biswal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) said. 

The police said they are verifying his identity.

Also Read | Kejriwal Govt Supplying Biryani To Protesters At Shaheen Bagh: Yogi Adityanath

According to eyewitnesses, the man shouted “Hindu Rashtra Zindabad” and fired two rounds.

The incident, which comes days after a local contractor armed with a gun had come to the site and asked the people to end the protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, has triggered panic in the area. 

A woman protestor, who didn't wish to be named, said the incident has created panic among them as well as children.

“Many women and children were inside the tent when the incident occurred. We rushed to the spot after hearing a gunshot. Everyone is scared. But we won't leave the spot,” she said.

Improve law and order situation in Delhi: Kejriwal to Amit Shah

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah to improve the law and order situation in Delhi, after the man fired two rounds in the air at Shaheen Bagh.

Elections will come and go but for the sake of the people of Delhi, improve the situation in the national capital, Kejriwal urged Shah.

"In broad daylight, bullets are being fired. The law and order situation of Delhi is in tatters. Elections will keep on coming, politics will also continue, but for the sake of the people of Delhi, please pay attention to improve law and order," Kejriwal said in a tweet.

Hundreds of people, including women and children, have been protesting since December 15 at Shaheen Bagh against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

(With PTI inputs)