Hanuman Jayanti processions across the Capital passed off smoothly on Thursday, including in Uttam Nagar, where a 26-year-old Hindu man was killed by a Muslim family last month leading to weeks of communal tension, and in Jahangirpuri, where communal clashes broke out in 2022.
Minor intervention was reported in Jahangirpuri’s E-Block, where around 20 people were removed by police while attempting to enter a restricted area, according to police.
In Uttam Nagar, the procession began barely 10 metres away from the house of Tarun Bhutolia, who was killed on Holi by members of a Muslim living in an adjacent street. Bhutolia’s photograph, adorned with garlands, was placed in front of a Hanuman statue. “We are paying tribute to Tarun. It was a big loss for all of us,” said Arun Gautam, 48, one of the organisers.
As the 6km-long procession passed through the streets of Hastsal village, songs like “Hindu Hain Hum” and “Jai Shri Ram” blared from loudspeakers, including for nearly two minutes outside the house of the accused family. Additional deputy commissioner of police Niharika Bhatt, along with at least three inspectors and two assistant commissioners of police, walked alongside the procession at both the beginning and the end.
“The rally has been held for the past 12 years and follows the same route. This year, there is heavy police presence due to the incident. It feels like a lockdown, similar to the pandemic. We have to show our IDs to enter our own street,” said Chiranji Lal, 78.
Muslim residents in the neighbourhood mostly stayed indoors. “Things are still not fully normal and there’s a lingering sense of unease in the area. Today, we opted largely stay inside,” said Mohammed Rashid, 42.
In Jahangirpuri, a large rally was organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Hindu Vahini, and other religious groups, with over 500 participants covering a 2.5-km stretch. Police personnel, led by DCP (northwest) Akanksha Yadav, walked alongside participants. In 2022, communal clashes had broken out during a similar procession, leaving nine people injured, including policemen.
Jagjeet Singh Goldy, Delhi unit coordinator of Bajrang Dal, said, “We wanted a longer route but Delhi Police limited it. We are still thankful. We wanted to celebrate our Shobha Yatra with full fervour since we rarely get permission. The arrangements were good. What was surprising was the welcome from Muslim residents.”
Some Muslim residents had set up a stall offering food. Hamid Chaudhary, a resident, said he and his friend Muraad arranged 3kg of rose petals and showered them on participants.
“We have all suffered because of riots and these fights. We were scared, but everything went fine. They came and thanked us. We also hugged. We just want normalcy here again,” said Muraad.
Around 3pm, as the VHP rally concluded, a group of men from other outfits attempted to stage a procession. Police removed 10-15 men in buses and cleared the area, with officials stating that the gathering was unauthorised.
