Anti-CAA protests: Violent clashes erupt between police and agitators in Howrah, DCP injured

ANI photo

New Delhi: The protests against the Citizenship Act, 2019, has hit several parts of the country. While the situation seems to improve in northeast, violence has erupted in places like Delhi, UP's Aligarh and Mau. Delhi witnessed clashes between police and angry protestors on Sunday, in which the cops and students of Jamia Millia Islamia University were said to be injured. Traffic has been affected adversely in the national capital due to protests and diversion near Jamia.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court heard a petition against police action on the students of Jamia University and Aligarh Muslim University during anti-Citizenship Act protests and ordered the petitioners to approach the respective high courts for further hearing.

Notably, three buses were set ablaze and several other vehicles vandalised as anti-citizenship law protesters, including students of Jamia Milia Islamia University, clashed with the police near New Friends Colony in South Delhi on Sunday, leaving dozens of people and several cops injured.

The police has been accused of using excessive force including lathi-charge and opening of tear gas during student protests that turned violent at the two universities on Sunday evening.

The Delhi Police on Monday lodged an FIR against 15 people for their alleged involvement in the violent protests against the Citizenship Act in Jamia area. The FIRs were registered at New Friends Colony (NFC) and Jamia Nagar police stations and the case has been handed over to the Crime Branch.

Here are the highlights of the day. Thanks for staying with Zee News

17 December 2019

22:53 IST

On directions of Delhi Police, closure of Kalindi Kunj road connecting Noida and Delhi after Jamia Nagar incident has been extended till Wednesday (December 17). The Noida Traffic Police has issued advisory and asked people to use alternative route to travel to Delhi/Faridabad.

22:19 IST

Violent clashes erupt between police and agitators protesting against NRC, CAA in Howrah’s Sankrail. Protestors hurl crude bombs at police. DC HQ Howrah Police Commissionerate Ajeet Singh Yadav injured besides two other policemen. All three rushed to the hospital. Situation still tensed. More force rushed to the spot. District reporters are not being able to enter the spot hence no visuals available so far.

22:00 IST

Former Congress MLA Asif Mohammad Khan named as an accused in the FIR filed in connection with violence at Delhi's Jamia Nagar.

20:49 IST

Speaking to media on Seelampur incident Delhi Police PRO, MS Randhawa said, ''No police station was set on fire today; only one police booth was damaged during protest. CCTV footage is being collected and will be examined.'' He further said that the investigation on the entire incident is underway.'' 

20:46 IST

Former Congress MLA Asif Khan has been named as an accused in the FIR, for involvement in Jamia Millia Islamia incident that took place on 15 December informed Delhi police.

20:38 IST

Five students were arrested, in Gujarat on December 17, for allegedly making objectionable graffiti against Constitutional Amendment Act in Vadodra. DCP said, "5 of 7 identified accused arrested. No links of students with a political party or student union are found. Their intention was to incite violence"

20:35 IST

The restriction on internet service has been extended for the next 48 hours across the North Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

20:35 IST

Speaking on the damage being caused to the railway properties, Minister of state Suresh Angadi said, "...I strictly warn concerned district administration and railway authorities, if anybody destroys public property, including railway, I direct as a Minister, shoot them at sight..."

19:43 IST

Speaking on Seelampur incident Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Alok Kumar said, ''No bullet has been fired. Only tear gas shells used. The situation is under control now. Some police personnel are injured. 2 public transport buses, 1 Rapid Action Force bus&some bikes damaged during the protest. He further said, ''Total 21 people injured, of which 12 are Delhi police personnel & 3 are from Rapid Action Force. 5 persons have been detained. 2 police booths have been damaged. No lathi charge was done by the police.''

19:38 IST

A petition has been moved in Delhi High Court seeking directions to the Centre for release of students and residents detained by police, ceasing the violence being inflicted by staff police and paramilitary forces, providing medical care and adequate monetary compensation to those injured.

19:32 IST

Indian Youth Congress along with leader Harish Rawat carries out a torch rally, in protest against the incidents at Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University. 

18:43 IST

There are more than 400 universities in the country and 5 of them are taking part in protests, including Jamia Millia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Lucknow's Nadwa college and Aligarh Muslim University. Rumours were spread in other colleges that police action has been taken against protesting students. However, no student was acted upon: Shri Amit Shah

18:30 IST

Indian Youth Congress carries out a torch rally in protest against the incidents at Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University. Congress leader Harish Rawat is also participating in the protest march. 

Delhi: Indian Youth Congress carries out a torch rally, in protest against the incidents at Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University. Congress leader Harish Rawat is also participating in the protest march. #CitizenshipAmendmentAct pic.twitter.com/LIjjr7loya

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2019

18:20 IST

Tamil Nadu: Muslim Jamaath Council has expelled AIADMK's Rajya Sabha MP A Mohammed John after the party voted in favour of Citizenship Amendment Act.

18:16 IST

Praveen Kumar, IG Law and Order: AT least 28 people have been detained in connection with violent incidents in Mau on December 16 over anti-Citizenship Act protests. Investigation is underway.

Praveen Kumar, IG Law & Order: 28 people have been detained in connection with violent incidents in Mau yesterday, over #CitizenshipAmendmentAct. Investigation underway. pic.twitter.com/8vMgy2iGy7

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 17, 2019

18:07 IST

Students of Delhi's Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University hold protest over Citizenship Amendment Act.

18:00 IST

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's comparison between police crackdown on Jamia students and Jallianwala Bagh massacre big insult to all martyrs: Ex-Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

17:59 IST

AAP MLA from Seelampur Mohd Ishraq Khan: Since the former MLA took out rally, entire atmosphere has been disrupted. All markets have been shut down and goons called in. This is not right for anyone, I appeal to the protesters to go back to their houses.

AAP MLA from Seelampur Mohd Ishraq Khan: Since the former MLA took out rally, entire atmosphere has been disrupted. All markets have been shut down and goons called in. This is not right for anyone, I appeal to the protesters to go back to their houses. https://t.co/RGNMsewsTx pic.twitter.com/PtDkR2TlLK

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2019

17:59 IST

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal: I appeal to all to maintain peace. Don't get involved in any kind of violence and immediately inform Delhi Police about violent elements. Violence is not only illegal but also inhuman. Express your concerns through peaceful democratic means.

17:53 IST

DMRC reopens entry, exit gates of Seelampur, Gokulpuri, Johri Enclave and Shiv Vihar metro station. 

17:51 IST

All 10 accused in Jamia violence sent to 14-day judicial custody. The case will betaken up by Crime Branch on Tuesday evening which will then take the 10 accused in remand.

17:51 IST

MHA sources on Seelampur violence: A hidden mob without prior information marched to Seelampur T-point. At least 4-5 thousand people indulged in minor violence. The situation is under control now.

17:48 IST

Delhi Governor Anil Baijal, appeals people to maintain law and order and not to get involved in any kind of violence. 

सभी दिल्ली वासियों से अपील है कि शान्ति बनायें रखें। किसी भी प्रकार की हिंसा में शामिल न हों और हिंसक तत्वों की जानकारी तुरंत दिल्ली पुलिस को दें। हिंसा ग़ैर क़ानूनी तो है ही, अमानवीय भी है। अपनी बातें शान्तिपूर्ण लोकतांत्रिक माध्यमों से कहें।

— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) December 17, 2019

17:47 IST

Traffic movement has been closed from Daryaganj to Raj Ghat (both carriageways) due to demonstration. Traffic has been diverted from Delhi Gate, Nishad Raj Marg, ITO towards Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg.

17:28 IST

Congress leade Sonia Gandhi lead delegation to meet President Ram Nath Kovind on Citizenship Act.

17:27 IST

Sonia Gandhi: The situation in the Northeast which is now spreading throughout country including the capital because of the act, is a very serious situation. We fear that it may spread even further.We're anguished at the manner in which police dealt with peaceful demonstration. 

17:24 IST

Sonia Gandhi: We've an example in Delhi where police entered the Jamia women hostel and dragged them out and mercilessly beat students.I think you all have seen that Modi govt seems to have no compassion when it comes to shutting down people's voices and implement legislation.

17:23 IST

Delhi Police conducts petrolling in Dariyaganj area after protest.

17:22 IST

Opposition leaders appeals President Ram Nath Kovind to take back Citizenship Act with immediate effect. 

17:21 IST

Sonia Gandhi appeals President Ram Nath Kovind to interfere on current situation in country Citizenship Act.

17:12 IST

Policeman assaulted by anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters in Delhi's Seelampur.

16:57 IST

Citizenship (Amendment) Act has nothing to do with National Register of Citizens (NRC) and it does not apply to Indian citizens, including Muslims: Home Ministry sources

16:56 IST

Mamata Banerjee comes down on PM Narendra Modi for his comment that people indulging in arson during the anti-CAA protests can be identified by their 'dress' and said the thought of categorising a political movement from the attire of participants has never crossed her mind. "Can you recognise my dress? Is it bad?" Mamata says, pointing to her white saree.

16:54 IST

Oppose Citizenship Amendment Act politically as much as you can, but we will ensure that refugees get Indian citizenship: Amit Shah

16:53 IST

Fresh violence reported in Delhi's Seelampur area of east Delhi; agitators pelt stones on vehicles and buses, police retort with tear gas shells to disperse crowd.

16:51 IST

Kamal Haasan hits out at Centre, Tamil Nadu govt over Citizenship Act, questions the need of the Act when economy is on slide. "MNM party is opposed to the CAA that will give refuge to Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Parsis fleeing persecution in the officially Islamic Pakistan and Afghanistan and Muslim-majority Bangladesh," he said.

16:51 IST

Samajwadi Party leaders hold protest outside Assembly here over several issues including Citizenship (Amendment) Act, law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh and atrocities against women.

16:39 IST

AMU Registrar in letter to Aligarh Dist Magistrate: Admin got info through sources that anti-social elements in garb of protest may enter Admin block of AMU and cause damage. So, you are requested to deploy security forces outside Admin block to prevent untoward incident.

16:39 IST

DCP South East (Delhi): The man in those pictures is a police personnel & was present for 'bandobast' there (Jamia). Police 'bandobast' is not only uninformed, some special plain cloth 'bandobast' is also deployed. They are deployed to identify miscreants in a crowd & arrest them

16:38 IST

DCP South East (Delhi): Police had carried out its duty to control a violent mob & maintain peace. Attempts are being made to present a false picture. A picture is making rounds on social media where a police personnel is being projected as a member of a student org. It is a lie.

DCP South East (Delhi): Police had carried out its duty to control a violent mob & maintain peace. Attempts are being made to present a false picture. A picture is making rounds on social media where a police personnel is being projected as a member of a student org. It is a lie. pic.twitter.com/LSBnpFfHwM

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2019

16:38 IST

Office of the Inspector General of Police, Meerut: Solicitor General during the course of hearing in Supreme Court today pointed out that in Aligarh Muslim University, the police was called by Registrar of AMU by writing a letter to District Magistrate Aligarh.

Office of the Inspector General of Police, Meerut: Solicitor General during the course of hearing in Supreme Court today pointed out that in Aligarh Muslim University, the police was called by Registrar of AMU by writing a letter to District Magistrate Aligarh. pic.twitter.com/a3b5VN0j3T

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 17, 2019

16:37 IST

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Citizenship Amendment Act: Entire opposition is misleading the people of country. I reiterate that there is no question of taking away citizenship of any person from any minority community. There is no such provision in the bill.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Citizenship Amendment Act: Entire opposition is misleading the people of country. I reiterate that there is no question of taking away citizenship of any person from any minority community. There is no such provision in the bill. pic.twitter.com/vkkkO3y4WH

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2019

16:37 IST

MHRD sources: MHRD received a report on Monday night from Jamia Millia Islamia on Dec 15 incident. Report mentioned that a resolution has been passed by Executive Committee of university seeking high level/judicial inquiry. But we've not received any formal request for inquiry.

16:36 IST

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources: Citizenship Amendment Act has nothing to do with deportation of any foreigner. Usual deportation procedure of any foreigner will apply as per already existing acts. The Act doesn't apply for any Indian.

16:35 IST

Video: Earlier visuals of protesters targeting policemen in Seelampur. 

#WATCH Delhi: Earlier visuals of protesters targeting policemen in Seelampur. #CitizenshipAmendmentAct pic.twitter.com/JPJLub29ln

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2019

16:35 IST

All entry & exit gates of Seelampur metro station are open: DMRC

16:34 IST

DMRC shuts six metro stations due to tensed situation. Entry and exit gates of these metro station have been shut:

Johri Enclave
Shiv Vihar
Seelampur
Gokulpuri
Welcome
Jaffrabad 
Maujpur-Babarpur

15:50 IST

Delhi Police is monitoring the situation in Jafrabad area using a drone. Earlier, a clash broke out between police and protesters, during protest against Citizenship Amendment Act on Tuesday. 

15:17 IST

Around 2,000 people have gathered in Seelampur and Jafrabad in the protest. They pelted stones and indulged in arson injuring a police personnel: Alok Kumar, Joint CP, Eastern Range said.

15:13 IST

Traffic is affected from Daryaganj to Delhi Gate due to demonstration in Seelampur and Zaffarabad. Entry and exit gates of Jaffrabad and Maujpur-Babarpur are closed. Trains will not be halting at these stations. Entry & exit gates of Gokulpuri are also closed. 

14:41 IST

After Jamia, clashes reported from North East Delhi's Seelampur, Zaffarabad, police lob tear gas shells.

13:51 IST

SC asks petitioners to approach High Court within the jurisdiction of incidents where protest against #CAA took place. SC said concerned High Courts will be at liberty to appoint former judges of SC or HC for the purpose of inquiry after hearing Centre & the respective States.

13:50 IST

SC directs petitioners seeking inquiry into alleged police excesses on students agitating against CAA to move concerned High Courts.

13:15 IST

Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde to advocates of students who are urging to let this matter be heard by SC: The Telangana encounter case could be looked into by appointing a commission but in this case there is no committee that can look into it all over the country.

13:15 IST

Indira Jaising appearing for students in Jamia Millia Islamia/Aligarh Muslim University incidents case: It is a cross-state issue & needs a fact-finding SIT. How can the court wash its hands of the issue? Court heard Telangana encounter case. We are asking for a similar order.

13:14 IST

Supreme Court during Jamia Millia Islamia/Aligarh Muslim University incidents case hearing: We do not have to intervene. It is a law & order problem, how did the buses burn? Why don’t you approach jurisdictional High Court?

13:14 IST

Guwahati High Court orders Assam government to restore internet services immediately by 4pm today. On Monday, the government had restored broadband services. However, mobile internet was suspended.

12:34 IST

On the police arresting 10 people for indulging in arson and setting the vehicles ablaze during protests, the ministry sources asserted that all the 10 persons detained have a criminal background. It added that more anti-social elements are being tracked. "No bullet fired from Delhi Police during Jamia protest. All 10 persons detained have a criminal background. More anti-social elements being tracked," said the MHA.

12:33 IST

The Delhi Police didn't fire any bullet during the massive protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act at Jamia Millia Islamia, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources said on Tuesday. 

12:14 IST

West Bengal: Writ petitions filed in Calcutta High Court over Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's statement saying Citizenship Act will not be implemented in the state and advertisements over the same by the state government in media, using public funds.

12:08 IST

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders detained in Lucknow. Police and RAF deployed outside party office. 

11:28 IST

Anti-Citizenship Act protest intensifies in Uttar Pradesh's Mau, several arrested; Section 144 clamped (Read more)

11:27 IST

People gather outside Jamia Millia University to stage protest, no students around. 

10:50 IST

Ministry of Home Affairs Sources: No bullets fired from Delhi Police during Jamia protest. All 10 persons detained have criminal background. More anti-social elements being tracked.

10:49 IST

Earlier on Monday, the Delhi Police lodged an FIR against 15 people for their alleged involvement in the protests that took place on Sunday.

10:48 IST

10 people have been arrested for violence in Jamia area of New Delhi, none of them are, however, students.

10:46 IST

In Uttar Pradesh, the administration has shut down internet services in four districts of Meerut, Saharanpur, Aligarh and Mau to stop rumours on social media.

09:26 IST

BSP's parliamentary party has also sought time to meet the President. Our party will also raise our voices in the UP assembly, against Citizenship Amendment Act & crimes against women: Mayawati

09:26 IST

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati on Citizenship Amendment Act: I demand central government to take back this unconstitutional law, otherwise it may lead to negative consequences in the future. They should not create an emergency like circumstances like Congress did earlier.

09:25 IST

Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Director General of Police, Assam: 4 people have been killed in police action, unfortunately. The situation had become such that the police had to fire in order to save more people & property. The situation is pretty much under control now.

09:24 IST

Road No 13A between Mathura Road and Kalindi Kunj is closed for traffic movement due to demonstration. People coming from Noida are advised to take DND or Akshardham to reach Delhi.

Similarly, people in taking to go to Noida from Mathura road are advised to take ashram chowk, DND or Noida link road. Okhla underpass going towards Kalindi Kunj is also closed for traffic movement.