Curfew-like situation prevailed in East Delhi's Trilokpuri area for the third consecutive day with people not being allowed to step out of their houses though no untoward incident took place in the violence-hit locality today.
Prohibitory orders, which were imposed in the locality on Saturday, will remain clamped for next few days as tension was palpable in the area, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi said while warning of strict action against those spreading rumours.
"The situation is under control in Trilokpuri. We are keeping a strict watch on those who are trying to spread rumours and making false PCR calls for riots. Section 144 will be imposed for the next few days and we are focusing on the situation and security arrangements will also be there for the next few days," Bassi told reporters here.
As security forces forced people to remain indoors, essential commodities like milk, vegetables etc were made available at their doorstep by the police.
All the entry and exit points of the locality have been secured by the police and people were allowed access only after proper verification.
Although senior police officials denied that a curfew was imposed in the East Delhi locality, people were strictly barred from stepping out from their homes.
It was only for one hour between 3.30 PM to 4.30 PM that women and children (up to 16 years of age) were allowed to venture out to buy essential commodities.
"During the period, we had allowed Mother Dairy milk vans to sell milk, bread and other eatables. Safal kiosks were also opened to sell vegetables and other food items. Vehicles of petroleum companies were also provided entry into the area to deliver LPG cylinders," said Joint Commissioner of Police (Eastern Range) Sanjay Beniwal.
The period might be increased tomorrow, he said, adding that there is no curfew in the area and its only section 144, which prohibits gathering of people, was clamped.
"There has been no incident of violence in the area in the last 24 hours," he added.
Tension prevailed in the East Delhi area even as a large contingent of police personnel along with Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was keeping a tight vigil in all the 36 blocks after clashes on Diwali night.
The Delhi Police chief also appealed to the people to not to pay attention to rumours and warned against spreading misinformation.
"I also warn those people who are spreading rumours and were involved in riots whom we have identified and as things will normalise in Trilokpuri, we will take strict action against them," he said.
