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Prohibitory orders, which were imposed in the locality on Saturday, will remain clamped for next few days as tension was palpable in the area, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi said while warning of strict action against those spreading rumours. "The situation is under control in Trilokpuri. We are keeping a strict watch on those who are trying to spread rumours and making false PCR calls for riots. Section 144 will be imposed for the next few days and we are focusing on the situation and security arrangements will also be there for the next few days," Bassi told media persons As security forces forced people to remain indoors, essential commodities such as milk, vegetables etc were made available at their doorstep by the police. All the entry and exit points of the locality have been secured by the police and people were allowed access only after proper verification.
Although senior police officials denied that a curfew was imposed in the East Delhi locality, people were strictly barred from stepping out from their homes. It was only for one hour between 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm that women and children (up to 16 years of age) were allowed to venture out to buy essential commodities. "During the period, we had allowed Mother Dairy milk vans to sell milk, bread and other eatables. Safal kiosks were also opened to sell vegetables and other food items. Vehicles of petroleum companies were also provided entry into the area to deliver LPG cylinders," said Joint Commissioner of Police (Eastern Range) Sanjay Beniwal.
The period might be increased on Tuesday, he said, adding that there is no curfew in the area and its only section 144, which prohibits gathering of people, was clamped."There has been no incident of violence in the area in the last 24 hours," he added. Tension prevailed in the East Delhi area even as a large contingent of police personnel along with Rapid Action Force and Central Reserve Police Force was keeping a tight vigil in all the 36 blocks after clashes on Diwali night. The Delhi police chief also appealed to the people to not to pay attention to rumours and warned against spreading misinformation. "I also warn those people who are spreading rumours and were involved in riots whom we have identified and as things will normalise in Trilokpuri, we will take strict action against them," he said.
The police had on Sunday arrested 14 persons for spreading rumours and fanning tension in the locality following a clash between two groups on Diwali night. Those arrested yesterday were booked under Indian Penal Code section 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), section 182 (false information), among others. The 14 people have not just been spreading rumours and misinformation through social media but had also made hoax calls to the police about violence and stone pelting, the police said. "So far, 63 people have been arrested, including these 14 for the violence in the area and we have registered five FIRs under relevant sections of the IPC. As many as 70 people, including 56 policemen, have been injured in since Thursday evening," said Beniwal.
The police said that most of those who were detained for the violence were minors who were later released after a stern warning. Asked about Aam Aadmi Party's allegations about role of a former Bharatiya Janata Party member of Legislative Assembly in the case, the Delhi police commissioner said, "I don't want to comment over what political parties are saying and allegations of rumours being spread by a former MLA of a political party of the area. "But if anyone will be found involved in spreading rumours then strict action will be taken against him." Over 30 PCR vans, water cannons and riots control vehicles have been stationed in the area. As locals remained confined to their homes, daily wage earners such as rickshaw-pullars, maids, small-time shopkeepers, who comprise most of the population of the area, faced financial crunch.