DU professor Apoorvanand instigated NE Delhi riots, monitored developments: Accused tells police

Northeast Delhi riots accused Gulfisha has told the police that Delhi University professor Apoorvanand was one of the main instigators and even praised her for her work, sources said. 

Professor Apoorvanand was questioned by Delhi Police special cell on August 3 for five hours regarding his role in the riots. 

According to Gulfisha, she met 'Pinjra Tod' group's Devengana and Paroma Roy during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and through them Apoorvanand. 

Apporvanand reportedly instigated her to organise protests at various places and conspired riots to present a bad picture of the Indian Government on the world stage. 

The professor also told them to arrange stones, empty botels, acid and knives before the riots. Women were also asked to keep chilli powder. 

Gulfisha has told the cops that the decision to block the road below Jaffrabad Metro Station was taken on February 22. Keeping in mind the visit to US President Donald Trump, Chand Bagh road was also blocked. This was being monitored by Apoorvanad. 

The purpose of these road blockages was to enrage Hindus and then carry out riots by stone-pelting. 

The conspiracy was hatched by Pinjra Tod's Devangana Kalita, Natasha Narwal and Jamia Coordination Committee, according to Gulfisha. 

Over 50 people were killed in riots in Northeast Delhi in February while properties worth hundreds of crores was destroyed. 

On the basis of statements given by Gulfisha, Delhi Police's Special Cell called Apoorvanad for questioning on August 3. His phone was also seized for further probe after five hours of questioning. 

Professor had issued a statement on the following day and urged Delhi Police to conduct a fair probe and not victimise CAA protesters. 

"While cooperating and respecting the right of police authorities to conduct a full, fair and thorough investigation, one can only hope that the probe would focus on the real instigators and perpetrators of the violence against a peaceful citizens' protest and the people of Northeast Delhi," he had said. 

"It should not lead to further harassment and victimization of the protestors and their supporters, who asserted their democratic rights through constitutional means, while stating their dissent to the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA) and the decision of the GOI to operationalise the National Population Register (NPR) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), all over the country," the statement said. 

The professor further said, "It is disturbing to see a theory emerging which treats the supporters of the protestors as the source of violence. I would urge the police and expect their probe to be thorough, just and fair so that truth prevails."