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| DCP Chhaya Sharma amid protesters |
The trouble began over reports that mourners who were taking part in the Chehallum observance were forcing open a gate that has been closed on a court order.
The police had a face-off the mourners. Tempers soared and the policemen lathi-charged the assembly. As report of the clash spread, tension gripped the South Delhi area. Muslim leaders and senior officials rushed to the spot. Local residents said that police used excessive force.
They alleged that policemen also fired in air apart from using tear gas shells though the situation didn't warrant such action. Policemen said that there was stone pelting from the Shia community and this led to the violence. But the situation was brought under control.
A senior Deputy Commissioner ranked officer who reached the Jor Bagh dargah, assured the agitators that those who had been detained would be released. Police accepted that crowd was lathi-charged but denied charges of firing.
TIH Bureau
