Procession That Led To Delhi Violence Held Without Permission: 10 Facts

Three processions were taken out that day to mark Hanuman Jayanti, Delhi Police said. Trouble broke out during the third procession, for which no permission had been granted. Those who organised it allegedly took a route next to a mosque located close to a temple. An FIR has been registered against procession organisers.

The police said as the procession, with people holding up saffron flags, passed by the mosque, the loud volume of religious chants clashed with the azaan or Muslim call to prayers. The situation blew up during an argument between the two groups - the members of the procession and those praying in the mosque.

Muslims in the area have claimed that those who were in the Hanuman Jayanti procession carried weapons and tried to vandalise the mosque. Participants in the procession admitted that they carried arms but blamed the violence on the Muslims, who, they said, threw stones at them.

The police said a case had been registered against members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal for taking out the procession without permission. Prem Sharma, a VHP activist, has been summoned.

The police today arrested Sonu Chikna, an accused who was caught on camera firing shots during the Saturday clash but had been missing since. Trouble erupted in the area this morning when a police team, looking for Sonu, tried to question his family.

When the team arrived at Sonu Chikna's home, his family and neighbours threw stones at the team. As the violence threatened to escalate, personnel of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) formed a human wall to prevent any clashes. The police called it a "minor, one-off incident" and said one person had been detained.

Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said a search is on for all the accused. "23 people have been arrested. They are from both communities. Action will be taken against any person found guilty irrespective of their class, creed, community and religion," Mr Asthana told reporters.

"Some people are trying to disturb peace through the medium of social media. We are monitoring social media closely, and legal action will be taken against those who are found spreading misinformation. The public should not pay heed to rumours," Mr Asthana added.

A senior police officer said over 500 personnel from Delhi police besides additional contingents from other forces were patrolling the area. They are armed with teargas guns and water cannons. Drones are being used in sensitive areas for rooftop surveillance.

Last week, communal clashes broke out in four states - Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal - during the celebrations of Ram Navami, the festival which marks the birth of Lord Ram.