With the clashes continuing to the third day, thirteen people have been killed and more than 150, including a child, injured as armed mobs rampaged through parts of northeast Delhi on Tuesday.
The mob went on to looting and burning buildings and vehicles. At a time when the government hosts US President Donald Trump and his family only 15 kilometres away. Smoke was seen rising from buildings and streets were strewn with rocks and broken glasses after three days of violence between pro- and anti-citizenship law protesters.
The violence, which left neighbourhoods looking as though it was a war zone, also led to the postponement of CBSE board exams to be held in affected areas on Wednesday. The CBSE, in response to fears of students has postponed Board exams scheduled for Wednesday in parts of northeast Delhi. These include two in English Literature for Class X and three in Media and Web Applications for Class XII. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has ordered all private and government schools to remain closed.
Delhi Police, heavily criticised for apparent inaction in this time, responded late on Tuesday evening with a renewed push through violent-hit areas. Shocking visuals showed tear gas being fired and pitched battles between protesters and outnumbered cops in areas like Chandbagh and Bhajanpura.
Four have been identified, of whom two – an auto rickshaw driver (Shahid, 26) and a handicrafts trader (Mohammad Furkan, 32) are Muslims. The other two – a marketing executive (Rahul Solanki, 26) and a policeman (Ratan Lal, 42) are Hindus. Through the day goons forced citizens to prove identities and religion
Late at night, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Northeast Delhi, to take stock of the law and order situation.