23 Arrested In Delhi Hanuman Jayanti Clash, From Both Communities: Police

People from "both communities" are among 23 arrested over the violence in northwest Delhi's Jahangirpuri that took place on Saturday evening, in which eight policemen and a civilian were injured, the police said on Monday.

"23 people have been arrested. They are from both communities. Eight have a previous criminal record. Action will be taken against any person found guilty irrespective of their class, creed, community and religion," Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said at a news briefing.

However, belying his assertions of control, stone-throwing erupted almost at the same time once again in Jahangirpuri, around 20 km away, over the questioning of the sister-in-law of an accused.

"The case is being investigated by the Crime Branch. 14 teams have been formed. Four forensic teams visited the crime scenes today and collected samples. Analysis of CCTV footage and digital media is being done," Mr Asthana said.

"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," he added.

The police said five guns and five swords have been seized from the arrested men. They have already been produced in court.

Among the arrested men is Aslam, who, the police say, shot at Delhi Police sub-inspector Medalal Meena. A country-made pistol has been recovered from him.

A second gunman, identified as Sonu Chikna, is on the run. The police were trying to question his sister-in-law when a group of protesters led by women charged at them and threw stones.

The clash broke out on Saturday evening between two communities during a Hanuman Jayanti procession. Both sides have accused the other of initiating the violence.

The Muslims in the area have claimed that those participating in the Hanuman Jayanti procession carried weapons and tried to vandalise a mosque.

Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana denied claims that attempts were made to raise saffron flags at the mosque, but said efforts were on to find out what led to the clash, news agency PTI reported.

Participants in the procession admitted that they carried arms but blamed the violence on the Muslims, who, they said, threw stones at them.

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.