An environment of fear prevailing in Delhi: Congress

The situation in Delhi is far from normal and an environment of fear is prevailing in the national capital, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters, Kumar said that the recent events in the national capital which unfolded due to "deliberate inaction" on part of the authorities have left people of the city living in fear.

New Delhi: Congress on Friday slammed the centre claims returning 'normalcy' in Delhi after a communal clash broke out between the two communities, a day before US President Donald Trump was scheduled to visit the country.

Addressing a press conference here, Congress leader Anand Sharma alleged the centre and Delhi Police for investigating the matter in a biased way.

Pointing out fingers at the investigative team, the leader said that the investigation team are busy framing questions on the opposition leader.

"The chronology of registering FIR clearly states the motive of the government. They never termed Union Minister Anurag Thakur speech as hate speech but they have registered FIR against those whosoever raised their voice against their party leaders", said Congress leader.

The leader further questioned the criteria for considering 'hate speech'.

"We are a constitutional democracy, where there is a rule of law. Recent events, riots in the national capital, the killing of almost 50 people and injuries to almost 200, enormous life and property loss because of deliberate inaction and in many cases complicity has led to a very tense situation," Sharma said.

"The situation is far from normal. There is a prevailing environment of fear. Our citizens are living in fear," he added.

Referring to the cases registered in the Delhi riot, the leader said, "I would like to ask the ruling government about their criteria for considering hate speech. If the speeches made by the BJP leaders, then they were not considered as hate speeches and the protest and Dharna's are a threat to society."

"They are misusing the Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code for framing charges against those who dare to oppose their laws and strengthen their voice against them by protesting peacefully", he added.

The Congress leader said it is time the Supreme Court "intervenes effectively" to protect the rights of the citizens guaranteed by the Indian constitution. At least 43 people have died while around 200 people sustained serious injuries in the violence that rocked north-east Delhi for four days.