Delhi violence LIVE updates: Death toll rises to 23, Ajit Doval says situation “under control”
The death toll in northeast Delhi communal violence over the amended citizenship law has reached to 18. The Delhi HC held an urgent hearing at midnight after two days of incessant violence and rampage across Northeast Delhi.
The death toll in northeast Delhi communal violence over the amended citizenship law has reached 23. The Delhi HC held an urgent hearing at midnight after two days of incessant violence and rampage across Northeast Delhi. The HC has ordered Delhi Police to ensure safety and immediate medical aid for all those who have been injured in the violence.
All private and government schools in Northeast Delhi are closed today and CBSE board exams scheduled in centres in the areas postponed.
Meanwhile, Delhi Metro authorities have said all entry and exit gates at all stations have been opened and normal services have resumed.
Follow live updates on Delhi violence:
6:35 pm: The Delhi Police will address the media at 7pm to share information on the law and order situation in North East District. The press interaction will he held at the Delhi Police headquarters.
6:20 pm: People of Delhi do not want violence. All this has not been done by the ‘aam aadmi’. This has been done by some anti-social, political and external elements. Hindus and Muslims in Delhi never want to fight.
6:17 pm:National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, after visiting sensitive areas of northeast, has reached Home Ministry to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
5:43 pm: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi Assembly: I want to assure the family of Delhi Police Head Constable Rattan Lal ji that we will take care of them. We will give a compensation of Rs 1 Crore and a job to a member of his family.
5:35 pm: People have a sense of unity among them, there is no enmity. A few criminals do things like this (spread violence), people are trying to isolate them. Police is here & doing its work. We’re here as per the orders of HM & PM. Inshallah yahan par bilkul aman hoga: Ajit Doval.
5:30 pm: Haryana government issues advisory on law and order situation across the state especially for the districts adjoining Delhi in the wake of the recent violence in national capital during CAA/NRC protest.
5:24 pm:Situation being monitored in areas of northeast with the help of drone, says Ajit Doval.
5:21 pm: Delhi: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval interacts with the local residents of northeast Delhi.
5:19 pm: Congress leaders and workers participating in ‘peace march’ stopped at Janpath Road. They were heading towards Gandhi Smriti.
5:15 pm:CBSE postpones the following subject exams scheduled for tomorrow in North East Part of Delhi. Exams in rest of Delhi shall be conducted as scheduled. The next date of exam for affected students will be notified shortly.
4:52 pm: Situation is totally under control. People are satisfied. I have confidence in law enforcement agencies. Police is doing its work:National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
4:41 pm: Congress leaders and workers have started a ‘peace march’ over the violence in Delhi. They are heading towards Gandhi Smriti.
Congress leaders and workers take out ‘peace march’ over violence in Delhi. They are heading towards Gandhi Smriti. pic.twitter.com/jrXJvGk7wB
4:36 pm: NCP MP Supriya Sule demands Amit Shah’s resignation over Delhi riots. Sule also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct a “transparent” probe into the security lapse.
4:35 pm: Delhi High Court adjourns the matter for tomorrow and states that the authorities must go strictly by the mandate of the law.
4:07 pm: So far we have treated 200 patients, 22 deaths took place: Sunil Kumar, Medical Superintendent of GTB Hospital.
4:06 pm: Hearing the pleas on the violence in Delhi, the Delhi High Court has said it doesn’t want to enter into the question whether Army should be deployed to contain violence in North East Delhi. “We should focus on the issue of registration of FIR right now,” the court said.
3:57 pm: “No way to restore peace and normalcy in Delhi other than calling in Army,” says CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury.
3:56 pm: Ajit Doval reaches office of DCP, Northeast district.
3:52: No reason not to lodge FIR against 3 BJP leaders: Delhi govt to HC
3:50 pm: Hearing underway in Delhi High Court against BJP leaders for making hate speech.
3:30 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval are monitoring the situation, says Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar.
3:12 pm: Delhi High Court appoints advocate Zubeda Begum as amicus curiae to coordinate between victims and various agencies.
3:03 pm: Delhi High Court directs to set up helplines for immediate help for victims, private ambulances to be provided for safe passage of victims.
3:00 pm: Death toll reaches 22.
North East Delhi violence: 21 deaths in Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital and 1 death in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital. https://t.co/UTouIXG64O
2:53 pm: Delhi High Court expresses concern over body an IB officer found in north-east Delhi. Court says it is “very unfortunate”. Court also asks the highest functionaries in state and central government to personally meet the victims and their families.
2:14 pm: After Congress’s presser on Delhi violence, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar targetted Sonia Gandhi, saying the government is open to discussion but politics should not be done over the issue.
Union Minister & BJP leader Prakash Javadekar: Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s statement is unfortunate & condemnable. At such times all parties should ensure that peace is maintained, blaming the government instead is dirty politics. Politicising this violence is wrong https://t.co/BngL9ZLeVEpic.twitter.com/z20bsw3eKH
1:54 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets on Delhi violence, appeals for peace.
Peace and harmony are central to our ethos. I appeal to my sisters and brothers of Delhi to maintain peace and brotherhood at all times. It is important that there is calm and normalcy is restored at the earliest.
1:51 pm: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress: I appeal to the people of Delhi to not indulge in violence, exercise caution & maintain peace. We have told our workers in Uttar Pradesh to do all they can to maintain peace if violence spreads there.
1:40 pm: Body of Intelligence Bureau Officer Ankit Sharma found in North East district’s Chand Bagh area today.
1:39 pm: Hitting out at the Delhi government and the Centre, Sonia Gandhi said both the governments have “intentionally not done anything to contain the violence in Delhi” because of which 20 people have lost their life.
1:36 pm: Delhi CM must be visible in affected areas and in constant communication with people: Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.
1:26 pm: Sandeep Surjewala, Congress: Congress was to hold a march and give a memorandum to President today but he communicated that he is unavailable and has given us time tomorrow. Upholding the respect for his high office, we have deferred the march for tomorrow.
1:23 pm: Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi: The Centre and the Union Home Minister is responsible for the present situation in Delhi. The Union Home Minister should resign.
1:21 pm: Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi in Delhi: There is a conspiracy behind the violence, country also saw this during Delhi elections. Many BJP leaders made inciting comments creating an atmosphere of fear and hatred.
1:16 pm: Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi addresses media at AICC HQ on Delhi Violence.
1:11 pm: Delhi High Court asks Solicitor General to advice police commissioner on lodging of FIRs against alleged hate speeches by 3 BJP leaders; hearing to continue at 2.30 pm.
1:07 pm: Delhi Commissioner of Police, Amulya Patnaik: Normalcy has returned in North East district to a large extent, senior officers are on rounds, extra forces have been given and lot of confidence building measures are being taken. Things being brought back to normal.
1:01 pm: Delhi violence matter in Delhi HC: Justice Muralidhar says that the situation is very unpleasant. We have all watched videos of some leaders making hate speeches openly. It’s on every news channel.
12:56 pm: Central govt should take steps to normalise the situation in Delhi and prevent violence. The Union Home Ministry should not hesitate to take strong action against the culprits. The police should be effectively deployed to prevent violence: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
12:54 pm: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday will brief the union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Delhi violence.
12:44 pm: Delhi High Court to hear Delhi violence matter shortly. The plea seeks an independent judicial inquiry into the violence in areas of North East Delhi.
12:36 pm: Violence in Delhi colossal failure of Delhi Police, says Former Union Minister Chidambaram.
Whether the violence in East Delhi was instigated (MOS-Home) or spontaneous (MHA), the government has a duty to end the violence.
12:17 pm: Police doesn’t have to wait for orders if someone makes inflammatory statements but act in accordance with law: SC on Delhi violence
12:09 pm: Justice KM Joseph in Supreme Court expresses his displeasure over the way the police have acted. “The police needs to act immediately to handle the situation,” says Justice Joseph.
12:05 pm: No incident of violence reported today in Gokulpuri. Security personnel have been deployed in the area.
Delhi: Early morning visuals from Gokulpuri where security personnel are dousing embers and clearing debris, after yesterday’s violence in the area. No incident of violence reported today. Security personnel have been deployed in the area. #NortheastDelhipic.twitter.com/tkK4zEjcY2
12:01 pm: SC disposes applications relating to Delhi violence, says it is for HC to take note of matter.
11:32 am: Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) SN Shrivastava and Special Commissioner of Police (Crime), Satish Golcha inspect the Jafrabad area. SN Shrivastava was appointed as Special CP, yesterday.
11:29 am: Congress leaders will march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to seek normalcy and peace in violence-hit Delhi, party sources have said.
11:27 am: Security personnel hold flag-march in Johripur area.
11:20 am: “Out of all the people that were brought to the hospital 189 are injured and 20 are dead,” says Sunil Kumar Gautam Medical Superintendent, Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital.
11:19 am: “Distressing scenes in Delhi!! #DelhiBurning as a result of ulterior motives of divisive forces within our Country. Police have completely failed in their responsibility. People have to remain calm and promote peace in the area for their own benefit,” says senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah.
11:04 am: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said he will write to Home Minister Amit Shah over the “alarming situation” in the national capital. The CM has also called for the deployment of the Army in affected areas.
I have been in touch wid large no of people whole nite. Situation alarming. Police, despite all its efforts, unable to control situation and instil confidence
Army shud be called in and curfew imposed in rest of affected areas immediately
10:47 am: Delhi High Court issues notice to Delhi Police and asks senior officials to remain present in the court in connection with a plea on violence in Delhi’s North East district.
8:07 am: Delhi High Court in a midnight hearing (on the intervening night of 25&26 February) directed Delhi Police to ensure safe passage for the injured victims by deploying all resources, as well as to make sure they receive immediate emergency treatment.
Delhi to install 305 mist sprayers across 9 major pollution hotspots
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that 305 mist sprayers will be installed across nine pollution hotspots in Delhi, alongside expert-led planning and coordinated measures to reduce dust and biomass-related pollution.
The Delhi government has announced a large-scale deployment of mist sprayer technology to tackle rising air pollution, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirming that 305 mist sprayers will be installed across nine pollution hotspots in the capital.
Mist sprayers to curb dust at critical locations
During an inspection at ITO, Gupta said the mist sprayers already operational at the site are performing effectively. She noted that 35 poles at ITO have been fitted with these machines, which are helping suppress dust—a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi.
According to the Chief Minister, trials conducted in certain NDMC areas have shown promising results, reinforcing confidence in the technology.
High-level committee to guide pollution-control measures
Gupta announced the formation of a high-level expert committee that will advise the government on effective measures to reduce pollution. The panel will include senior officials from various departments as well as environmental specialists, including experts from IITs. Officials stated that the committee will receive special powers to implement pollution-mitigation strategies.
Departments directed to repair roads, add greenery
The Chief Minister said departments including PWD, DSIIDC and DDA have been instructed to fix potholes, repair and carpet roads, plant foliage along dividers and islands, and take other measures to reduce pollution sources.
She urged residents to report potholes on the government portal for quicker action.
Appeal to RWAs to prevent biomass burning
To curb winter pollution, Gupta advised Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to distribute electric heaters to security guards to discourage biomass burning, which significantly contributes to seasonal pollution spikes.
PM Modi welcomes Vladimir Putin with warm hug as Russian President begins India visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin began a high-profile visit to India on Thursday, welcomed by PM Narendra Modi as both nations prepare to discuss defence, energy and trade cooperation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a 27-hour visit focused on strengthening defence, energy and trade cooperation. The visit, marked by a warm embrace and a brief car ride shared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the continuity of the India-Russia strategic partnership amid shifting global geopolitics.
Putin receives ceremonial welcome and packed schedule ahead
Putin landed in Delhi around 6:35 pm, where PM Modi personally received him at Palam airport. The two leaders shared a hug before leaving together, with the Prime Minister set to host a private dinner in honour of the visiting President — a reciprocal gesture to the hospitality extended during Modi’s Moscow visit last year.
On Friday, Putin will begin his official engagements with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also scheduled to attend the India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House, where both sides will hold a working lunch.
The Russian President will later inaugurate a new India-based channel of Russia’s state broadcaster and attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, before departing India on Friday night.
Defence, energy and trade to dominate agenda
Officials have indicated that discussions will centre on defence, energy and trade — the three pillars of the bilateral relationship. Agreements are expected across sectors including shipping, healthcare, fertilisers and connectivity.
Ahead of the summit, defence ministers from both countries held extensive talks, covering additional procurement of S-400 air defence systems and delayed military hardware shipments affected by the Ukraine war. The S-400 platform, procured under a USD 5 billion deal, played a major role during Operation Sindoor.
The Kremlin has also hinted that Russia may propose the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, which would put Moscow in direct competition with Western aircraft makers.
Energy ties face renewed pressure
India remains among the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude. However, fresh US sanctions on key Russian oil producers have led to a dip in purchases.
Putin’s visit also comes at a time of strain in India-US ties, with Washington recently imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods — including measures linked directly to India’s continued oil trade with Russia.
Massive security deployment in Delhi
Delhi Police have stationed over 5,000 personnel across central and New Delhi districts, supported by SWAT teams, anti-terror units, snipers, quick-reaction teams, anti-drone systems, HD-CCTV networks and layered surveillance measures for the visit.
Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit
Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government discourages visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting Opposition leaders, calling it a sign of “insecurity,” hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi.
As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi today for the India-Russia Annual Summit, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has renewed his charge that the Centre discourages visiting foreign leaders from meeting Opposition representatives. He called it a sign of “insecurity” within the government.
Rahul Gandhi alleges break in long-followed tradition
Speaking outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that it has traditionally been the norm for visiting foreign leaders to meet the Leader of the Opposition, a practice he claims continued during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.
He alleged that the present government advises foreign dignitaries against such meetings. “When foreign leaders come, the government suggests they should not meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is their policy,” Gandhi said. He added that a meeting with the Opposition offers visiting leaders a broader perspective, as “we too represent India.”
Gandhi further stated that this approach reflects the government’s reluctance to allow engagement between the Opposition and foreign guests.
Former Foreign Secretary counters Gandhi’s remarks
Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said visiting leaders operate on very tight schedules and there is no protocol mandating a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. He stressed that such interactions depend entirely on the guest’s time and preference, noting that the required meetings are those with the President and the Prime Minister.
Putin’s schedule packed with bilateral engagements
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in Delhi this evening on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. His itinerary includes:
A private dinner with PM Modi
Visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat
Engagements at Bharat Mandapam and Hyderabad House
A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu
The visit forms part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
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