Amid reports of simmering tensions in some parts of the national capital ahead of Muharram on Tuesday, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi assured that all security measures have been taken, especially in sensitive areas and warned that those found involved in spreading rumours will be dealt with strongly.
"Everything is fine, security has been beefed and we are keeping a tight vigil. We are extensively on ground in sensitive areas. Senior officials are in touch with local Aman Committees in these areas and leaders of both the communities have also been roped in to maintain peace during the Muharram processions," Bassi told PTI.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung also held a meeting with senior police officials at Raj Niwas at 1 pm to take stock of the situation and arrangements being made for Muharram in the city.
The entire top brass of the Delhi Police, including Bassi, Special Commissioner (Law and Order) Deepak Mishra and Joint Commissioners of all ranges attended the meeting and apprised him of the situation.
During the meeting, Jung directed officials to ensure peace and harmony in the city at all costs.
On Sunday, a 'Mahapanchayat' was held in outer Delhi's Bawana area where local leaders objected to the route of Muharram procession. Provocative speeches and slogans were made during the gathering.
Although, an alternate route was chalked out with consent of both the communities with police intervention, there have been reports of similar demands at meetings in other parts of the city like Mundka and Shiv Vihar (Kanjhawala).
Normalcy has not returned to east Delhi's Trilokpuri area where clashes had broken out. Tensions on Diwali night after a drunken brawl near a religious structure left around 70 people including 56 policemen injured.
Asked about the recent flare-ups, Bassi said, "We are keeping a close eye on Bawana, Trilokpuri and other sensitive areas. We had information a month back regarding tension prevailing in the area (Bawana) and preventive steps were taken. We were in touch with the Peace Committee."
"I also appeal to the people to avoid spreading any rumours. If any one is found to be involved in such activities they will be dealt with strongly," he said.
He also said that Delhi Police have collected evidence of those spreading rumours through WhatsApp and social networking sites, and have warned that legal action would be taken against anti-social elements, who get themselves involved in such activities.
The Police Commissioner said that commando teams have also been deployed and the Special Branch (Intelligence) is in touch with people of both the communities to avoid spreading of rumours.
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