Ever since violent clashes broke out between pro and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) groups in North East Delhi, several gruesome images and videos have appeared and gone viral on social media.
While some have been found to be misleading or outright fake, some others appear to be extremely disturbing as they showcase the blatantly communal agenda of the perpetrators.
For example, Alt News has debunked claims that the young man who opened fire on police was a pro-CAA activist. It was also discovered that the allegations of protesters carrying saffron flags were false, as a better resolution video revealed them to be crates that protesters were using as shields.
Several on social media, including AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan and Salman Nizami, suggested that the Jafrabad shooter was part of a pro-CAA mob carrying ‘saffron’ flags. #AltNewsFactCheck found this allegation to be untrue. | @thisisjignesh @free_thinker https://t.co/szdVx4AIMP
— Alt News (@AltNews) February 24, 2020
AltNews also exposed a video that was being circulated as evidence of atrocities against pro-CAA groups as a video from Pakistan where a cop can be seen thrashing a woman.
An old video of Pakistani policemen thrashing women is viral on social media amidst protests against CAA. It is being falsely claimed that the clip shows atrocities on Hindus in Pakistan. #AltNewsFactCheck | @HereisKinjal @Priyankajha0 https://t.co/POnqhtwTEg
— Alt News (@AltNews) February 25, 2020
However, the following video clearly shows anti-CAA protesters being beaten brutally and made to sing the national anthem. They are also taunted for using Azaadi slogans. From the khaki trousers sported by the assailants and batons wielded by them, it appears that the bullies were in police uniform. The bullies can be heard demanding that they injured men sing the national anthem properly and they can also be heard using swear words.
Anti citizenship law protest turned riot in #Delhi India
More than a half dozen dead
graphic scenes are coming in from #India on day of #Trump visit. Here the Delhi Police is forcefully beating and asking these people to sing the Indian National anthem pic.twitter.com/WnoVjNepIM— Wars on the Brink ? (current focus coronavirus) (@WarsontheBrink) February 25, 2020
Meanwhile, #HarHinduKapilMishra began trending on twitter in support of the controversial BJP leader who many believe instigated the violence with hate speech in the first place. Now, some activists have given a call to gather outside the residence of the Leftinent Governor at midnight.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has finally broken his silence about the violence in his state. Situation started worsening from Saturday, but Kejriwal whose government does not control the police had hitherto remained mum. However, just before meeting Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, Kejriwal addressed a press conference. He said, “Violence will not offer solutions to either side. So, I appeal to everyone, with folded hands, to maintain peace.” He said, “We need more police forces to be deployed in affected areas. The junior officers feel handicapped to control violence in the absence of orders from above. Additionally, MLAs from border areas report that people are being brought in from outside. The border needs to be sealed.” Kejriwal also said, “I have directed all magistrates to hold peace marches with the police. I have requested them to hold interfaith peace meetings.”