Mob burns police post near Jamia University

Several policemen and civilians were injured in clashes between angry mobs and the police near Jamia University in south Delhi on Saturday evening, reports Abhishek Bhalla.

Several policemen and civilians were injured in clashes between angry mobs and the police near Jamia University in south Delhi on Saturday evening.

HT Image

A mob of more than a hundred torched the Jamia police post following which the police fired teargas shells to control the situation. The mob also burnt down several police vehicles during the clash.

The clashes followed an altercation between a book vendor and a policeman near the Jamia University.

The police were on an eviction drive on the street following complaints of road congestion from residents of the area.

One of the vendors, Sajid, who sold religious books, was being forcibly evicted when his cart overturned, eyewitnesses said. This led to a scuffle.

Within minutes, the violence spread to adjoining areas and another police post at Shain Bagh was also attacked. The situation was brought under control by around 10 pm but tension continued in the area amid heavy police deployment.

Residents stayed indoors following the violence and the police chased away any gathering of people. Senior officers were assessing the situation in the area till late hours.

An eyewitness, Sultan, said members of the crowd that attacked the Jamia police post also burnt papers and official documents. The police post was heavily pelted with stones for about an hour before being set on fire, he added.