Under fire for its conduct during the protests in New Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia university on Sunday, the Delhi police claimed that they used “maximum restraint, minimum force” despite being "provoked" by protesters.
Two cases have been registered against unidentified people for rioting, arson and causing damage to public property in connection with the violence during a protest against the amended Citizenship Act near Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi, police said on Monday.
The Delhi Police's Crime Branch will investigate the Jamia violence. Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa, addressing a press briefing, said that people should not pay any heed to social media rumours.
The Delhi police also further maintained that there were no casualties in the protests.
"There was no firing, there have been no casualties in Jamia violence. The crime branch will investigate Jamia violence. Thorough investigation will be done and accountability will be fixed," he said at a press conference.
When questioned on entering the university — which Jamia has said happened without their permission — the police claimed that in an attempt to push protesters into the campus, amidst stone pelting and tear gas use, a few men entered. “When rowdies and miscreants went in, a few policemen did chase them and enter. We’re conducting a detailed investigation.”
One FIR at Jamia Nagar Police Station has been registered under IPC sections of rioting, obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions and assault or criminal force to deter public servant from his duty, he said.
The FIR at New Friends Colony Police Station has been registered under IPC sections of rioting, arson, unlawful assembly and damage to public property, he added.
The police said they would look for CCTV footage and videos to identify those involved in the violence.
“Four DTC buses, 100 private vehicles and 10 police bikes were damaged during the violence. One policeman is in the ICU,” he added.
Randhawa said the police is keeping a watch on social media.
"We are monitoring social media. I appeal students and public at large to not pay any heed to rumours," he said.
The university had turned into a battlefield on Sunday as police entered the campus and used force, following the violent protest.
With PTI inputs