Police conduct flag march in violence-hit areas in Delhi, Bhim Army chief arrested, protests continue

A day after massive protests and violence in the national capital, Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad was arrested here on Saturday while police and paramilitary personnel carried out flag march in violence-hit areas, even as scores of people held peaceful demonstrations against the amended Citizenship Act at several places.

Azad was taken into custody early Saturday when he came outside Jama Masjid, where he had taken part in a protest on Friday, and was later sent to judicial custody for 14 days by a court.

Fifteen others were arrested in connection with the violence near Delhi Gate area where angry protestors set a car on fire and damaged several vehicles. They were sent to judicial custody for two days.

Eleven people, arrested in connection with violence in Seemapuri area of northeast Delhi on Friday, were sent to 14 days' judicial custody, a lawyer in the case said.

On Saturday, multiple protests were held amid heavy police deployment against the new legislation in areas like India Gate, Jamia Millia Islamia, Rajghat, Uttar Pradesh Bhawan. Police said no untoward incident was reported.

A large number of students, activists and professionals gathered at India Gate to register their anguish over the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Students held demonstrations outside the Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) for the seventh consecutive day. They were also joined by locals in their protest.

Following the violence in New Friends' Colony, Mathura Road during a protest on Sunday, security personnel had entered the university campus, which police said was to look for "outsiders" who were involved in arson.

Sharjeel Ahmed, a JMI student who is heading the legal desk to help students said, "Seventy students submitted complaints yesterday (Friday) and 20 students today (Saturday). All complaints will be compiled and sent to court where we have filed petition in connection to the university violence."