Due procedure followed in case against activists

THE 2020 DELHI riots, which claimed 53 lives, the farmers’ protest at the Red Fort and the arrest of activist Disha Ravi on sedition charges have all taken place during S.N. Shrivastava’s tenure as commissioner of Delhi Police. He spoke to THE WEEK about the status of investigations in these cases, monitoring social media and terror threats to the capital. Excerpts:

- NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

Q/ Did the 2020 Delhi riots impact Delhi Police’s image? What corrective steps were taken?

A/ I joined amid the riots. Soon after the riots were controlled, a number of steps were taken to address the grievances of people. The community leaders met me and shared their concerns regarding security of residents and other related issues. We provided more security in areas where people felt insecure. They wanted the repair of religious places and residences to begin soon; this was facilitated. Slowly and steadily, things were brought to normalcy.

At the same time, since 53 people had died and more than 500 were injured, it was necessary that the legal process should start. A total of 755 cases were registered over a few days. Important cases were handed over to special investigation teams created in the crime branch. One case was registered with the special cell to unearth conspiracy behind the riots and the remaining cases were assigned to police stations. More than 400 of the 755 cases registered have been worked out and charge sheets filed, in most cases. Over 1,800 people were arrested. This information is based on the last review I conducted.

Q/ What was the larger conspiracy behind the riots?