Two groups clashed and brandished a rifle in Shahdara over allegations of theft at a shop on October 19, the police said on Sunday.

The police said that one Sultan Haider had registered a complaint against four of his neighbours, alleging that they had committed a theft at his garment shop. When he demanded his stolen goods back, they thrashed him. Mr. Haider then informed his relatives about the incident. When the accused were confronted, they attacked him and his relatives.

The police said that on October 19, the PCR received a call regarding a clash in New Shanti Mohalla in Old Seelampur. They reached the spot and tried to bring the situation under control, but the people turned more violent and attacked each other. The accused reportedly belong to the same community. The situation was brought under control after adequate police force reached the spot later.

Several videos of the incident, recorded by onlookers, have gone viral on social media. A Delhi Police PCR van that had reached Old Seelampur was spotted in a video and it was unable to bring the the situation under control. A policeman was seen getting out the his vehicle, only to get back inside soon. Locals have questioned the inability of the police to maintain law and order in the area, as tension prevailed there for hours.

DCP (Shahdara) Meghna Yadav said a case under IPC Section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) has been registered at Krishna Nagar police station. “We have initiated necessary action for cancellation of licence of the weapon that was brandished during the clash. We have identified the accused seen in the viral videos. The injured persons were taken to a hospital for treatment. The accused will be arrested,” said Ms. Yadav, adding, “We have received a complaint from the other side as well. The case is being probed. No arrest has been made so far.”