Delhi cops to make rioters pay for damages
February 29, 2020 10:05
Taking a leaf out of the playbook of Uttar Pradesh police, the Delhi Police has decided to recover the cost of damages to public and private property during the communal riots in north-east Delhi from the protesters themselves by imposing fines or attaching their properties, two Delhi Police officers familiar with development said on condition of anonymity.
A direction has already been issued in this regard to the Crime Branchs Special Investigation Teams and the local police to coordinate with civic authorities and Delhi government to assess the damage, one of the officers added.
The SITs have been tasked with identifying those who committed arson, looting, or otherwise damaged properties during the riots over four days and across almost all of north-east Delhi. It is suspected that several local criminals, including those with criminal records, took advantage of the situation in Jafrabad, Kardampuri, Karawal Nagar, Maujpur, Bhajanpura and other areas, and went on a rampage.
Delhi Police on Friday said they have identified at least 1,000 rioters and have so far detained or arrested at least 630.
It will take time to assess the actual damage but Delhi Police believe properties worth hundreds of crores have been destroyed between Sunday and Wednesday. Police said they have also sought the help of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation and power discom BSES to access the damage, to restore utilities, and also to clear the debris and piles of torched vehicles from the riot-hit area.
The UP administration, in December 2019, sent notices to at least 400 people identified as rioters to recover the damages to properties during anti-CAA protests in the state. It cited the Supreme Courts previous recommendations and a 2011 Allahabad high court order to justify the decision.
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