The death toll in communal violence in northeast Delhi over the amended citizenship law rose to 34 on Thursday following three days of communal violence which ripped through areas of Jaffrabad, Maujpur, Bhajanpura, and other adjoining areas.
According to GTB Hospital authorities, the number of injured now stands at 189, however, the situation at the hospital "seems to be settling".
Communal violence over the amended citizenship law had escalated in northeast Delhi on Tuesday as police struggled to check the rioters who ran amok on streets, burning and looting shops, pelting stones and thrashing people.
Here are the updates:
February 27, 2019
8:40PM: Death toll rises to 38 (34 at GTB Hospital, 3 at LNJP Hospital and 1 at Jag Parvesh Chander Hospital) in North East Delhi violence.
6:51PM: Two SITs of Crime Branch have been formed under DCP Joy Tirkey and DCP Rajesh Deo. The teams will immediately take over the investigation of the cases connected with North East Delhi violence. BK Singh, Additional CP Crime Branch to supervise the work of the 2 teams
5:51PM: Delhi Police PRO says more FIRs will be registered as evidence comes in. "Currently, the situation is absolutely normal and all roads are open. All necessities items are available for people and 350 peace committees have been formed in different parts of the city."
5:44PM: BJP leader Kapil Mishra, accused of giving hate speeches which resulted in violence in Delhi, says violence has been going on for the past 70 days and he is not responsible for it. He also blamed AAP leader Tahir Hussain and Anti-CAA protestors for targetting police officers.
5:10PM: Our hearts go out to the families of the deceased and injured in New Delhi. We echo PM Narendra Modi’s call for calm and normalcy and urge all parties to maintain peace, refrain from violence, and respect the right of peaceful assembly: US on Delhi riots
4:40PM: Those who have incited violence in Delhi should not be spared, no matter from which party they are: Kejriwal
4:36PM: Delhi govt to set up special camps for people to get documents burnt during arson, violence: Kejriwal
4:33PM: Under Delhi Govt's 'Farishte' scheme, those affected in violence can get medical treatment at any private hospital. Compensation of Rs 20 lakhs each to families of those who have died: CM Kejriwal
4:31PM: Delhi govt to bear expenses of treatment of those injured in riots and admitted to private hospitals: CM Kejriwal
4:30PM: PM himself has publicly appealed for peace and brotherhood. I would also like to refer to some statements which have come out, by agencies/individuals. We would urge that it is not the right time to make such irresponsible comments,it can create more problems than it would solve: PM
4:29PM: MEA on Organization of Islamic Cooperation' statement: OIC statement is factually inaccurate, selective&misleading. There is an effort on ground to restore normalcy&create confidence. We urge these bodies not to issue irresponsible statements
4:19PM: What led to this, why this happened will, of course, be a matter of investigation. What is important to note here is that law enforcement agencies are working on the ground. They are working to bring the situation back to normal: Raveesh Kumar, MEA on Delhi Violence
3:38PM: CBSE postpones class 10, 12 exams scheduled on February 28, 29 in violence-hit northeast Delhi
3:24PM: I am open to any kind of investigaton, says AAP Councillor Tahir Hussain
3:23PM: Police moved us to sfae place, says AAP Councillor Tahir Hussain
3:20PM: AAP Councillor Tahir Hussain says "I was trying to stop the roting. My wife was trying to put out fire"
3:14PM: BJP accuses Congress of 'selective silence'
3:13PM: Duty of every political party is to consolidate peace, says Prakash Javadekar
3:12PM: This isn’t two day violence. Pot was put on boiler for 2 months, says Union Minister Javadekar
3:11PM: Congress, AAP playing politics over violence, says Union Minister Prakash Javadekar
2:55PM: Nobody has right to take law into their hands: RSS general secretary
2:51PM: Govt should ensure peace is restored: RSS general secretary Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi
2:46PM: SG says 48 FIRs have been lodged till date in relation to arson, looting and the deaths in the violence
2:45PM: SG says Centre and police need to file a reply to plea for lodging FIRs against alleged hate speeches by three BJP leaders
2:44PM: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urges court that there be no hurried intervention till normalcy is restored in northeast Delhi
1:02PM: Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal has appointed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Addl Solicitor General MK Acharya, advocates Amit Mahajan & Rajat Nair to represent Delhi Police in the matters related to law&order situation in the areas of North East, Shahdara&East districts of Delhi, reports news agency ANI
12:50PM: We requested the President to use his power to call upon the central government to protect and preserve it's 'raj dharma'": Manmohan Singh
12:48PM: We call upon the President to ensure that life, liberty, & property of citizens are preserved. We also reiterate that you should immediately call for the removal of the Home Minister for his inability to contain violence: Sonia Gandhi
12:44PM: Violence a matter of national shame, says former PM Manmohan Singh
12:42PM: We handed over demands to President Kovind in memorandum, Centre and Delhi govt were mute spectators to violence, says Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi
12:41PM: Congress leaders meet President Ram Nath Kovind over Delhi riots.
12:08PM: Toll rises to 34, says senior Delhi Health Department official
11:24AM: We would urge that irresponsible comments are not made at this sensitive time: MEA
11:20AM: Law enforcement agencies working to prevent violence, restore normalcy: MEA on concerns over Delhi violence by US body, others
10:46 AM: The death toll in the communal violence in northeast Delhi reached 32 on Thursday, senior officials said. It was 27 till Wednesday night.
9:36 AM: The death toll in the Delhi violence has risen to 28 after another person was declared dead at the GTB Hospital.
February 26, Wednesday:
7:50PM: Death toll in Delhi violence rises to 24 with two more deaths being reported at LNJP Hospital
7:29PM: Kejriwal visits affected areas in northeast Delhi. He was accompanied Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP leader Sanjay Singh.
7:27PM: US Embassy in India issues advisory to its citizens, "Exercise caution in light of violent demonstrations in Northeast Delhi"
7:18PM: 22829335 and 22829334 are the two numbers set up by Delhi Police as a helpline.
7:16PM: Delhi Police has registered 18 FIRs and arrested 106 people in connection with violence in north-east Delhi, says Police PRO.
6:50PM: After visiting sensitive areas of north-east Delhi, NSA Ajit Doval met Home Minister Amit Shah and briefed him about the on-ground situation in Delhi.
6:14PM: Delhi government announces compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of head constable Ratan Lal who was killed in violence
5:55PM: It is duty of govt, Home Minister to bring peace in national capital; they have failed: Priyanka Gandhi
5:54PM: Priyanka Gandhi urges Congress workers to visit affected houses in Delhi with message of peace; says it is our duty to spread love, brotherhood
5:53PM: Delhi is your city and it is being destroyed, govt has failed to maintain peace: Priyanka Gandhi at Congress march
5:48PM: Both Hindus and Muslims have died; people in Delhi want to live in peace, says Kejriwal
5:47PM: Kejriwal addresses Delhi assembly on commual violence, says Delhi doesn't want riots.
5:22PM: Class 12 English exam scheduled for tomorrow postponed at 73 centres in northeast Delhi, 7 in east Delhi: CBSE
5:02PM: Situation is totally under control. People are satisfied. I have confidence in law enforcement agencies. Police is doing its work: NSA Doval
4:51PM: The Delhi High Court directed the police to take "conscious decision" with respect to lodging of FIRs against alleged hate speeches by three BJP leaders in connection with the CAA violence and convey by Thursday. The three BJP leaders are -- Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma.
4:33PM: Delhi HC asks police to take conscious decision on lodging of FIRs and convey it to the court on Thursday
4:30PM: Just register FIRs (on speeches by 3 BJP leaders), Delhi HC tells Spl CP to communicate it to Police Commissioner
4:28PM: Delhi HC says it's not confining proceeding to only 3 video clips and police shall lodge FIR in other such clips also
4:17PM: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval reaches the office of DCP Northeast
4:12PM: Delhi HC hearing on CAA violence: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta says police is not having picnic, they are facing acid attacks
3:46PM: HC asks if any of 3 leaders denied making alleged objectionable statements; petitioner counsel says no, they took pride in it
3:20PM: Last rites of Delhi Police Head Constable Ratan Lal being held in Sikar
3:18PM: SG says HC should wait for authorities' reply on lodging FIR against 3 BJP leaders as any decision now may aggravate situation
3:16PM: 5 IPS officers of Delhi Police transferred. SD Mishra Addl CP Rohini now posted as Addl CP Traffic, MS Randhawa Addl CP (Central District) posted as Addl CP (Crime), P Mishra DCP (EOW) posted as DCP (Rohini), S Bhatia DCP IGI Airport posted as DCP (Central District).
3:14PM: High Court directs to set up helplines, private ambulances to be provided for safe passage of victims. Court also directs to set up of shelters for rehabilitation
3:12PM: Situation in north-east Delhi has only worsened, says Delhi High Court
3:06PM: HC appoints advocate Zubeda Begum as amicus curiae to coordinate between victims and various agencies
2:54PM: Death toll reaches 22: 21 deaths in Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital and 1 death in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital
2:53PM: 1 dead, 22 injured persons have been brought to the hospital in the last 24 hours: Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital official
2:52PM: Delhi HC says we cannot let another 1984 happen in this country; not under the watch of this Court
2:50PM: Delhi High Court applauds police for prompt action in evacuating injured in violence hit north-east Delhi
2:33PM: RS Prasad hits out at Sonia Gandhi, says Congress should stop cheap politics
2:32PM: We must maintain peace, says Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
2:25PM: Congress president Sonia Gandhi's statement is unfortunate and condemnable. At such times all parties should ensure that peace is maintained, blaming the government instead is dirty politics. Politicising this violence is wrong : Javadekar
2:15PM: Congress has blood of Sikh riots on their hands, says Prakash Javadekar
2:12PM: Police will probe matter and truth will be out, says Union Minister Prakash Javadekar
1:56PM: Peace and harmony are central to our ethos. I appeal to my sisters and brothers of Delhi to maintain peace and brotherhood at all times. It is important that there is calm and normalcy is restored at the earliest: PM Modi
1:55PM: Had an extensive review on the situation prevailing in various parts of Delhi. Police and other agencies are working on the ground to ensure peace and normalcy, tweets PM Narendra Modi
1:40PM: An Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer was found dead in northeast Delhi’s Chand Bagh area. His body was recovered from a drain.
1:23PM: Chief Minister should be visible in affected areas, says Sonia Gandhi
1:22PM: Situation grave, need urgent action, says Congress interim president
1:21PM: Adequate security forces must be deployed immediately to bring situation under control, says Sonia Gandhi
1:20PM: Delhi CM also responsible, he has failed, says Sonia Gandhi
1:19PM: Centre and Home Minister are responsible for violence in Delhi. Home Minister should resign, says Sonia Gandhi
1:18PM: BJP leaders created an atmosphere of fear through their hate speeches, says Sonia Gandhi
1:16PM: Congress adresses media on Delhi violence
1:06PM: HC asks SG Tushar Mehta, DCP (Crime) if they have seen video clip of BJP leader Kapil Mishra making hate speech; plays it in courtroom
1:05PM: Curfew imposed in Jafrabad area
1:02PM: SG urges court to implead Union of India as party in plea seeking lodging of FIRs, as issue relates to law & order.
1:01PM: Heated arguments between solicitor general, Delhi govt counsel in HC on issue of representing police commissioner. HC says situation outside is very unpleasant, reports news agency PTI
12:54PM: Why hasn't the Home Minister issued a statement yet? says Sanjay Singh
12:53PM: We have been informed that outsiders have entered Delhi? Who are these people? How did they enter Delhi? We demanded the borders be sealed, why hasn't it been done yet? asks AAP’s Sanjay Singh
12:30PM: Delhi Police shares contact numbers of personnel at city hospitals
12:20PM: Police doesn't have to wait for orders if someone makes inflammatory statements but act in accordance with law: SC
11:59AM: SC says it has nothing against Delhi Police but is making remarks keeping in mind larger perspective
11:58AM: These things would not have happened had police not allowed instigators to get away, says SC. Justice Joseph gives example of police in US and UK, says force has to act professionally as per law if something goes wrong.
11:57AM: SC Judge K M Joseph says there was lack of professionalism on part of police
11:56AM: Solicitor general asks SC not to make any adverse observations relating to Delhi violence as it will demoralise police force
11:52AM: SC says it is for law enforcing administration to ensure environment is conducive
11:51AM: Sol Gen Tushar Mehta informs SC that Delhi HC has heard pleas connected with violence. SC disposes applications relating to Delhi violence, says it is for HC to take note of matter
11:50AM: SC says it will not expand scope of petitions filed in connection with Shaheen Bagh protests by looking into pleas on violence
11:44AM: SC terms unfortunate incidents of violence in Delhi but refuses to entertain pleas on them
BJP leader Kapil Mishra on Tuesday night shared a video, saying, "Jaffrabad has been vacated, there won't be another Shaheen Bagh."
11:33AM: Delhi Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) SN Shrivastava and Special Commissioner of Police (Crime), Satish Golcha inspect Jafrabad area
11:27AM: Security forces conduct flag march in Maujpur, Babarpur
11:24AM: Congress leaders to march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to seek normalcy and peace in violence-hit Delhi, reports news agency PTI quoting party sources
11:11AM: Death toll reaches 20, number of injured is 189, say GTB Hospital authorities
11:05AM: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted saying the Army should be called in and curfew imposed in rest of affected areas immediately
10:53AM: HC directs that senior level police officer should be present before it at 12:30 pm with instructions
10:52AM: Delhi HC says police need not wait for court's direction and it should take action on its own in connection with northeast Delhi violence, reports news agency PTI
10:46 AM: Delhi High Court directs police to respond by 12:30 pm on plea for action against those involved in inciting violence in northeast Delhi over CAA.
10:12 AM: Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor (NSA), has made it clear that lawlessness would not be allowed to remain in the national capital and an adequate number of police forces and paramilitary forces have been deployed. The police have been given a free hand to bring the situation under control, news agency ANI reported.
9:51 AM: The death toll has increased to 18, Delhi's GTB hospital confirms.
9:10 AM: Authorities at Delhi's GTB hospital have confirmed the death toll has risen to 17 now.
8:30 AM: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari had on Tuesday visited Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital to review the condition of people injured in violence in parts of North-East Delhi.
8:20 AM: Entry and exit gates at all five metro stations in North-East Delhi, which were closed in view of violence in the area have been opened, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said on Wednesday. "Entry and exit gates at all stations have been opened. Normal services have resumed in all stations," DMRC tweeted.
Five Delhi Metro stations in the North-East district -- Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, Gokulpuri, Johri Enclave and Shiv Vihar were shut down in view of the violent clashes over Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
8:05 AM: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval late Tuesday night met with top police personnel at the office of Delhi Commissioner of Police North-East here, following which he visited areas affected by violence in the national capital, which has claimed 13 lives and left close to 200 people injured, over a period of three days.
7:45 AM: In a midnight hearing, Delhi High Court directed police to ensure safe passage and emergency treatment for people injured in Delhi violence.
11:30PM: Death toll in violence in North-east Delhi has now reached 13.
8:56PM: In light of violence in North-east Delhi, IPS SN Shrivastava has been appointed as Special Commissioner (Law and Order) in Delhi Police, with immediate effect.
8:48PM: Schools to continue to be closed tomorrow in violence-affected North-east district. All internal examinations will be postponed, declares Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
8:20PM: The pleas relating to the north-east Delhi violence, which has claimed 11 lives, reached the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court on Tuesday and they will hear the matter on Wednesday.
7:20PM: Act in nation''s interest and not in the interest of a few people: Siddaramaiah
In a series of tweets, former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah slammed the police for its "inaction" and appealed to the people to maintain calm. "...HMOIndia @AmitShah should issue strict orders to police to act in Nation's interest& not in the interest of few people," Siddaramaiah tweeted.
7:16PM: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to people to "stop this madness" after visiting the injured at GTB Hospital. "I have met the people who were injured, also met some people who sustained bullet injuries. Facilities and doctors are apt here. The biggest concern is to stop the violence. I appeal to everyone to stop the violence. This madness has to stop," he said.
7:00PM: Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa on BJP leader Kapil Mishra's speech: It's under investigation, our top priority was to control the situation which we've done. We will investigate all FIRs that have been registered & if a main conspirator is found action will be taken.
6:40PM: We are deeply disturbed and concerned about what and why is happening in Delhi. We are watching it. In our country there is no place for violence. We the people of India want peace and we appeal everyone to maintain peace: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
6:36PM: We are responding to incidents involving anti-social elements: Delhi Police
6:31PM: Situation under control; 11 FIRs registered in connection with arson, say police
6:30PM: Sufficient force deployed in northeast Delhi; we have deployed RAF, CRPF, senior police officers monitoring situation, says Dehi Police
6:05PM: I didn't discuss with PM Modi, it is up to India, says US President Donald Trump on Delhi violence
6:00PM: Total 10 deaths and 150 injured admitted at GTB Hospital in the last 24 hours, says Dr Sunil Kumar, Medical Superintendent of Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, Delhi
5:28PM: Delhi Police told the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday that it did not have adequate forces to immediately control the violence, which led to the situation getting aggravated, officials said.
5:00PM: Head Constable Rattan Lal has made a sacrifice for the nation. We are proud of his sacrifice. We stand with his family: Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik
4:38PM: Death toll in violence has reached nine, says GTB hopsital officials, reports PTI
4:36PM: Three reporters and one cameraperson of news channel NDTV were attacked by armed mobs
4:34PM: Wreath-laying ceremony for Delhi Police Head Constable Ratan Lal who was killed during clashes in northeast Delhi yesterday
4:19PM: Delhi CM Kejriwal, Deputy CM Sisodia meet the injured at GTB hospital
4:14PM: Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia calls for strict action against the “monsters” perpetrating violence, no matter which “faith, caste or region” they belong to.
3:53PM:
3:43PM: An armed battalion of Delhi Police, comprising around 1,000 personnel, is being deployed in violence-hit areas of Delhi while inter-state borders are being closely monitored, say officials. This was conveyed at a high-level meeting convened by the Home Minister.
3:23PM: Delhi BJP chief Mnaoj Tiwari appealed for peace and blamed "anti-national elements" for violence in Delhi. "Whatever happened yesterday is unfortunate and saddening. I appeal to everyone that they should not be manipulated and should not involve themselves in violence. Everyone should stand against those who are manipulating people in such a tense situation. Peace should be maintained in the country, " Tiwari told news agency ANI
3:03PM: Road to Karawal Nagar- both carriageways closed for traffic movement
3:02PM: High Court has agreed to hear tomorrow the petition regarding violence in Maujpur, Jaffrabad and adjoining area of North-east Delhi. The Petition seeks constitution of an SIT consisting of officers from outside Delhi and direction to the Centre to request Army to maintain law & order.
2:36PM: Stone-pelting starts between two groups near Bhajanpura chowk.
1:59PM: Rioters damage two fire tenders in Gokulpuri, set on fire a bike in Maujpur
1:58PM: Meeting convened by Home Minister Amit Shah decides to reactivate peace committees in all localities in Delhi, reports news agency PTI quoting sources
1:29PM: Prohibitory orders, banning the assembly of more than four persons, were imposed in northeast Delhi on Monday and will continue to be in force till March 24.
1:21PM: Shahrukh, the man in a red t-shirt who was seen opening fire at police during violence in northeast Delhi yesterday, has been arrested by Police, reports news agency ANI
1:00PM: "Amit Shah assured there won't be dearth of police support", says Kejriwal after meeting with the Home Minister
12:56PM: After meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, kejriwal says 'we decided we must rise above politics'.
12:26PM: No matter who the person is, whether he is Kapil Mishra or anyone else, belonging to any party, if he has given any provoking speech then strict action should be taken against him, says BJP MP Gautam Gambhir on Kapil Mishra's tweets
12:02PM: Home Minister Amit Shah meets Delhi LG, CM and leaders of political parties
12:01PM: NGO approaches Delhi HC seeking FIR and arrest of persons involved in violence in North East Delhi over CAA, reports PTI
11:39AM: Fresh violence in parts of northeast Delhi, mobs pelt stones and vandalise shuttered shops, reports news agency PTI
11:32AM: There is a need to seal borders, take preventive measures, says Kejriwal
11:29AM: I am going to meet Home Minister Amit Shaha at 12 noon, says Kejriwal
11:28AM: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal addresses media, asks people to maintain peace
11:27AM: 35 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in Northeast Delhi along with Special Cell, Crime Branch and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) officials. Local police from different districts of Delhi have also been called in
11:26AM: We are continuously taking action and forces have been deployed in Brahampuri, Maujpur, Chand Bagh, and other areas. We are dispersing any gathering and peace committees are holding talks with people to maintain peace, says Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police
11:23AM: People Paying Price For Putting In Power Insensitive Leaders: Chidambaram
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said, "The people are paying the price for putting in power insensitive and shortsighted leaders.”
"India has lived with the Citizenship Act 1955 without the amendment. Why does the Act need an amendment now? The amendment (CAA) should be abandoned forthwith…Even now it is not too late. The government should listen to the voices of the anti-CAA protesters and declare that the CAA will be kept in abeyance until the Supreme Court pronounced on its validity," he said on Twitter.
11:19AM: We'll take strict action against people involved in the violence in Delhi yesterday. Since two months there was dharna but centre gave a chance for peaceful demonstrations & protests. But yesterday's violence won't be tolerated, says MoS Home G Kishan Reddy
11:11AM: Habibullah, others seek SC direction to ensure safety of women at Shaheen Bagh and at other places in city. SC says application wil be heard on Wednesday.
11:10AM: Former CIC Wajahat Habibullah, others move SC seeking lodging of FIR with regard to the violence in Delhi.
10:54am: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called a meeting to discuss the prevailing situation in the national capital. Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and representatives of different political parties have been invited for the meeting.
