700 persons arrested for north-east Delhi riots: Police

Delhi Police arrested around 700 people in connection with the riots that broke out in Northeast Delhi between Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and pro-CAA protestors, on the eve of February 23.

New Delhi:Crime Branch of Delhi Police arrested around 700 people in connection with the communal violence that took place in North-east Delhi.

All arrests in the riot cases were based on scientific and technical evidence.

In view of the seriousness of the case, two Special Investigation Teams (SIT) were formed to investigate Delhi violence. On March 6, 2020, 654 cases had been lodged by the Delhi police and 1,820 were detained.

An officer associated with the crime branch said that the investigation continued during the lock-down, after which around 700 people were arrested and they are being questioned.

People who are absconding are also being tracked and depending on their location, they'll be arrested as soon as possible, said the officer.

On the eve of February 23, riots broke out in Northeast Delhi between Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and pro-CAA protestors. The violence took a communal turn and led to the death of over 53 people over the course of next 10 days.

More than 200 were left injured. Shops and houses were burnt down and even places of worship were attacked.