Supreme Court slams police for 'lack of professionalism' over Delhi violence

The top court, while hearing a case related to anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, said as quoted by media, "The problem is lack of professionalism of police, and their lack of independence. If the police acts completely in accordance with the law, many of these problems would not take place."

The north-east Delhi was on boil for last two days, when US President Donald Trump was incidentally in the national capital, over a fight between the supporters and protestors of CAA which has already kept the country on edge for over last two months.

As per the latest report, the death toll has climbed to 20 while more than 150 people have been injured in the clashes.

Three journalists, who went to cover the incident on Tuesday, were also injured and heckled by a mob in the north-eastern part of the city.

Clashes and stone pelting were reported in Chand Bagh area of northeast Delhi on Tuesday evening.

Late last night, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited the affected-areas and met with senior police officers.

Doval visited areas, including Seelampur, Jaffrabad, Maujpur and Gokulpuri Chowk to take stock of the law and order situation.

Groups of pro and anti-CAA protesters torched houses, shops and vehicles and hurled stones in the Chand Bagh and Bhajanpura.

The police used teargas shells to bring the situation under control.

In view of violence, the CBSE announced the postponement of Class X and XII Board exam paper for February 26, Wednesday, in schools of violence-hit northeast Delhi.

Late on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced that schools in violence-hit northeast Delhi will remain closed on Wednesday as a precautionary measure and internal school examinations stand cancelled.

In another development, senior IPS SN Srivastava was appointed as Special Commissioner (Law and Order) of Delhi Police with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging him to call in the Army to control the volatile situation in Delhi.

"I have been in touch wid large no of people whole nite. Situation alarming. Police, despite all its efforts, unable to control situation and instil confidence Army shud be called in and curfew imposed in rest of affected areas immediately. Am writing to Hon’ble HM to this effect," Kejriwal tweeted.