Action against Delhi riots accused to set an example: Amit Shah

New Delhi : Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday vowed to punish the culprits behind Delhi riots irrespective of their religion, caste and political affiliation. He claimed that the action against the culprits will set an example for the society.

"I convey my condolences to all those who have lost their family members. I promise that none of the guilty will be spared no matter which religion, caste or political party they belong to. Delhi Police will act with such firmness that these riots will become a case study of the consequences that should visit those engage in riots," Shah told Lok Sabha after an over five-hour debate on communal violence in the Capital.

He asserted that the Centre is planning to set up a claim commission who will recover public damages from the proven rioters. The Delhi High Court has already been approached with the proposal.

"About 700 FIRs have been filed, 152 weapons used in violence seized and 49 cases lodged under the Arms Act. Also, 2,647 people have been detained or arrested so far," Shah said.

Congress staged a walk out from the house before reply, provoking a sharp response from Nitin Gadkari in the house.

The minister focused on the role of social media in what has been dubbed the first “digitised riots”. “More than 60 social media accounts were created specifically to incite communal violence between February 22 and 26,” he added. 

Shah said many of the social media accounts were since shut but police were looking for those responsible. “If they feel that they will get away, they are mistaken, law will take its course,” he said, adding that 25 cases under the IT Act had been registered.