Trilokpuri riots: I did not instigate the crowds, says ex-MLA

Former MLA from Trilokpuri Sunil Vaidya has rejected allegations that he had instigated crowds in the area during the riots, saying it was part of a political vendetta against him.

Former MLA from Trilokpuri Sunil Vaidya has rejected allegations that he had instigated crowds in the area during the riots, saying it was part of a political vendetta against him.

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Political parties and locals accused Vaidya of instigating and leading a crowd towards Block 27, where a store was gutted in mysterious circumstances.

“These are false accusations. During the riots, the local residents of Block 20 had approached me because the police was not receiving their calls,” said Vaidya.

According to the FIR and initial police investigation, a huge crowd held a meeting at a local leader’s office in Block 21 after which the crowd began shouting slogans and marched towards Block 27.

“I initially didn’t entertain the crowd and directed them to Dhingan, but soon the crowd which consisted of less than 100 people and mainly women came back to me claiming that Dhingan is nowhere to be found,” said Vaidya.

Vaidya said he then notified Delhi Police DCP (east) Ajay Kumar. “Kumar had sent police namely an ACP and an SHO to my office and we held the meeting in their presence,” he said.

Vaidya agreed that people from distant towns had made their way to fuel the riots. “Most of those who took part in the rioting were from the other community and were outsiders,” he said.

“The Hindus were beaten by members of the other community and the police. Further, even after complaints, the police didn’t register a case and are yet to conduct medical examination of Hindu victims,” Vaidya said.