Delhi Riots: Death Count Climbs To 47; Cops File 254 FIRs, Detain Nearly 1,000 People

The death count in the communal violence that flared up in Delhi on February 24 continues to rise. On Monday, the number of casualties rose to 47. According to news agency ANI, 38 deaths were confirmed at the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, three at the Lok Nayak Hospital, one at Jag Parvesh Chander Hospital and 4 at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. There are reports that several bodies that have still not been recovered from the drains and torched houses. Hence, the total death count may go up significantly. After 72 hours of utter mayhem and total collapse, there have been no incidents of fresh violence or arson from the area.

According to latest figures provided by the Delhi Police, 254 FIRs have been registered. Nearly 1,000 individuals have been either detained or arrested for the alleged involvement in the Delhi riots. A conservative estimate by a business body in the National Capital suggests that nearly properties worth Rs 25,000 crore were destroyed in the communal violence. There are several posts by volunteers on the internet about anti-social characters snatching the relief material. Meanwhile, Gopal Rai, senior AAP leader and minister in Delhi government is likely to visit the riot-affected areas on Monday.

There are several families in the violence-hit areas that have alleged brutality in police custody after their relatives succumbed to injuries post detention. An Indian Express report said that the families have been told to photograph their relatives and keep records of police detention. On Saturday, a 23-year-old, who was forced to sing National Anthem died at one of the city hospitals. His family had alleged that he was brutalised in the police custody.

According to an NDTV report, Faizan’s mother claimed the police had confirmed that he was in their custody. Some other men were also picked up by the cops. When Faizan’s family demanded his release, the cops reportedly said that they would put them behind the bars. Next day, Faizan was returned to the family in an extremely critical condition. The family first took him to a local hospital, where doctors said that Faizan needs urgent surgery. Later, he was admitted at the LNJP where doctors performed a brain surgery. On Saturday, Faizan was declared dead. The family claims that the police were responsible for his death.

Meanwhile, the Budget Session of Parliament is likely to witness uproar over Delhi riots. While the Narendra Modi government is looking at the passage of the Union Budget, several Opposition parties including the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress have given notices demanding discussion over the communal violence in North-East Delhi. Going by the resolution passed by its highest decision-making body, the Congress will raise its demand for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation. The Congress has also submitted a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind highlighting Shah’s failure to contain the riots that flared up during US President Donald Trump’s state visit to India.