Delhi Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava on Wednesday informed that 19 people have been arrested and 25 cases have been registered in connections with the Republic Day violence in the national capital.
“No culprits will be spared. We have arrested 19 people and 50 detainees are being questioned,” Shrivastava said during a press conference. He continued, “Police will be using facial recognition system and will be using CCTV footage to identify the accused.”
The Delhi Commissioner also said that multiple rounds of talks between Samyukt Kisan Morcha leaders and the police took place. “Since it was Republic Day and keeping in view the security of the people of Delhi, we laid down some terms and conditions which was given to them along with the written permission,” Shrivastava said.
“Firstly, the tractor rally will start at noon and end at 5 pm. Secondly, the farmer leaders should lead the rally. We also decided that all leaders should move with the supporters as it will help in guiding and controlling them,” he said.
The Commissioner further added that the farmer leaders had agreed to the routes laid out by the police. However, on the eve of the rally, Delhi Police became aware that the farmer leaders did not agree to the conditions given to them. Shrivastava informed that farm leaders such as Satnam Singh Pannu, Darshan Pal Singh, Buta Singh and Rakesh Tikait made provocative speeches to incite the protesting farmers.
“Police showed restraint to minimise the loss of life. During the clash, 394 personnel sustained injuries. Many are admitted in hospitals while some are in ICU wards,” Shrivastava said.
Meanwhile, the farmers’ unions have announced that they will be postponing the proposed march to the Parliament on February 1. Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Balbir Singh Rajewal informed the development at a press conference following the Republic Day violence.
“Our proposed march to Parliament on February 1 is currently postponed. We will be keeping a one-day fast. On Martyr’s Day (January 30) will be holding rallies across the country,” Balbir said, adding that farmers will continue protesting against the three contentious farm laws.
On February 1, the Finance Minister will be presenting the Union Budget in the Parliament.