Delhi: 72-year-old held for forcing shops shut at Jama Masjid

NEW DELHI: A 72-year-old man has been held in connection with a protest held at Jama Masjid after Friday prayers last week.
Police said the accused man, identified as Anwaruddin, has been bound down under section 41A CrPC for forcing shopkeepers of the motor market to close their shops in support of protests at Jama Masjid on June 10. Some of the protesters were carrying placards and chanting slogans against suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, demanding her arrest for her remarks about the Prophet. Earlier, the police had arrested two people for the demonstrations.
The accused has ten previous criminal involvements, including three for rioting, and was a bad character of the area earlier.
“There were around 300 protestors. Police peacefully controlled the crowd within 10-15 minutes. Since the protest took place without permission, we will take action against some who were identified,” an officer said.
During the initial probe, police found that some messages circulated on social media and WhatsApp groups calling for a gathering. “People behind these Whatsapp accounts will be identified and legal action will be taken accordingly,” a senior police officer said.