Families still live in fear

New Delhi: After almost two weeks since the north-east part of the city was hit by violence, people still remain in fear. A few young men gathered outside an office after they were randomly picked up by the Delhi Police and later released in north-east Delhi's Khajuri Khas area. This also included a minor. The families have alleged that these men were picked up without any evidence. Later, out of 13 picked, five were released by the police.

Random pick-ups

22-year-old Parvez (name changed on request), who was on his way to buy fruits for his family, when he was stopped by the police. "They asked me my name first. When I told them my name, they picked me up from the main road and took me to Khajuri Khas Police Station, where they kept me for 22 hours," he said.

He added that the police was not ready to listen to anything he had to say. "Cops used communal slurs, came close and held me by the collar. They didn't tell me why I was there but kept saying I was part of the mob," said Parvez.

Minor arrested

At least 13 boys were picked from Khajuri Khas alone, out of which one was a minor Hindu, while the rest were Muslims. He had gone to buy vegetables. Visibly shaken, the boy said he still had no idea why he was picked up. "I have not done anything. Why did they keep me in jail?" he said.

Out of five men who were let go after the residents intervened and asked for concrete evidence, this minor was one of them. "No matter what community, we are neighbours and have to take care of each other. When they took the boy, we told the police he was a minor," said Aleem, who has a shop in the area.

Imran (name changed) is 21-year-old. He was on his way out when he was picked up. "We are scared to step out now because this is the way we are being targetted now," he said. Out of the 13 boys, eight have been slapped with First Information Report (FIR) and will be produced in court.

Police file FIR

When this correspondent tried to speak to the official on duty at Khajuri Khas Police Station, the latter said that they don't have any information. "All we know is that an FIR has been registered in their name as they have been part of the mob according to the video footage. They will be presented in front of the court," he said. The official added that the men who were not identified were let go.

Environment of fear

Parveena's (name changed on request) son had just left his house when he was suddenly stopped by the police. "They asked him his name and took him," she said. She said that her son is 18-year-old and a student. "On what basis have they picked him up?" she asked.

Out of the five released, the correspondent was able to meet three boys, who claimed they were innocent. "We are scared. We are being targetted and there is no hope left," he added.

Meanwhile, lawyers have become more vigilant and are taking up such cases.