The Delhi Police have arrested six people including BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay in a case related to a viral video where Hindutva fanatics were seen issuing threats to commit genocide of Muslims. Those arrested individuals have been identified as Preet Singh, Vinod Sharma, Deepak Singh, Vineet Kranti and another suspect also named Deepak.
According to reports, the Delhi Police grilled these men overnight before arresting them.
“On August 8, we had lodged an FIR against some people for passing remarks against a particular community. Six people- Ashwani Upadhyay, Vinod Sharma, Deepak Singh, Vinit Kranti, Preet Singh, Deepak arrested. A video also surfaced, we are examining it,” Deepak Yadav, DCP New Delhi, was quoted by news agency ANI as saying.
In the viral video, a group of Hindutva fanatics could be seen calling for the genocide of Muslims. Some of the chilling chants were, “Mulle Kate Jayenge, Ram Ram Chillayenge (When Muslims are butchered, they will shout Ram Ram). Hindustan mein rahna hoga, Jai Shri Ram kahna hoga (You have to chant Jai Shri Ram if you want to stay in India).”
In other videos being widely shared on the internet, members belonging to the violent Hindutva groups were seen threatening to carry out the ethnic cleansing of Muslims by terming them as traitors. Others called for the economic boycott of Muslims in India.
The chilling incident took place right in the heart of India’s national capital, barely few hundred meters away from the country’s parliament and the Supreme Court.
The internet had exploded with condemnation for the Delhi Police for its inaction. Many wondered if the same cops would have remained mute spectators if the perpetrators were Muslims.
Upadhyay had later issued clarification dissociating himself from those making genocidal threats. Also attending the controversial gathering was TV actor Gajendra Chauhan.