NEW DELHI: Police today arrested 14 persons for spreading rumours and fanning tension in east Delhi's Trilokpuri locality even as no fresh violence was reported and situation remained "under control" despite being tense in the area which has been on the boil during the last three days following a clash between two groups on Diwali night.
Prohibitory orders remained imposed in the area and large contingent of police personnel along with Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were keeping a tight vigil in Trilokpuri area which is divided in 36 blocks. Over 30 PCR vans, water cannons and riots control vehicles were stationed in the area.
"We have arrested 14 persons for spreading rumours and false information in the locality. The situation is tense but under control. No fresh violence or clash has taken place today," Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Ajay Kumar said.
Those arrested have been booked under IPC section 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), section 182 (false information) among others.
Those arrested have not just been spreading rumours and misinformation through social media but had also made hoax calls to police about violence and stone pelting, police said.
Police appealed the people of the area to maintain peace and harmony and not to believe rumours.
Eerie calm prevailed in the area as locals preferred to stay at home. Those who ventured out to buy essentials claimed that outsiders had stoked violence in the area.
"Some outsiders had started Diwali night's incident which catapulted into a full blown clash among two communities and now we are suffering," said Aman Singh, who had come out to buy milk.