CPI(M) Polit-Bureau member Brinda Karat reported to the police about disturbing incidents wherein groups of young men have taken to roaming around after dark shouting slogans like ‘Jai Shri Ram’, ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and so on, not related to any religious function, in Shiv Vihar of North Delhi.

She expressed concern that these incidents could have harmful consequences as this was the area where minority communities were attacked, homes burnt and families were forced to take shelter in relief camps. “It is only now that they (the victims) are returning to their homes, many of which are still not repaired. In such a situation for such processions to be  organised without police permission are objectionable and need to be stopped forthwith,” she wrote in her letter to Delhi Commissioner of Police, SN Srivatsava, on September 17.

“You will appreciate that those who have informed me of this may not like to approach the police directly as they are afraid of repercussions. Confidence building measures are an immediate requirement in the area, towards which a first step would be to ensure such processions are stopped,” she wrote.

Urging the CP to take appropriate action, she informed him that video images of the incident have been sent to Additional CP Alok Kumar as well.