Watch: Saffron-clad men threaten fish sellers in CR Park market; video tailored, says BJP

NEW DELHI: A video on social media of some saffron-clad people threatening fish sellers at Market No.1 in Chittaranjan Park has caused outrage among the residents of the colony.TOI couldn't independently verify the video, but sources in the fish market, who didn't wish to be quoted, confirmed that the incident had happened a few days back and they have been feeling anxious.These men, who filmed the entire incident, can be seen telling the fish sellers that they are "ordering" them to shut down the market because of its proximity to a temple.The main spokesperson of this group is heard telling the shopkeepers that it is pure fiction to say that fish and meat are offered to deities in some parts of the country. Claiming that there is no such proof in the "shastras", he accuses them of hurting the feeling of "Sanatanis".When the shopkeepers point out that this was a market set up by DDA and the shops had been allotted to them, the man tells them that DDA too will be fixed and it cannot escape its responsibility for letting this happen.Another shopkeeper is heard pointing out that the temple was set up the shop owners themselves but that doesn't wash with the group. A visitor protests against a "jeev hatya" remark but is dismissed aggressively.Trinamool Congress MP Mohua Mitra had posted the video which was reposted by lawyer Sanjay Hegde and others. Some residents pointed out that the fish sellers, besides the other shopkeepers, pray at this temple and there hasn't ever been any "conflict between faith and food" in the area. The fish sellers on Tuesday approached the apex association of the colony, East Bengal Displaced Persons Association (EBDP), and submitted a letter, asking for their intervention and help. This was confirmed by association sources.This is not the first time that the fish markets in Chittaranjan Park have figured in the news for reasons other than the wide range of fish available there. Attempts to shut down the market have been scuttled earlier. This colony was set up to resettle people after partition of Bengal and has over the years developed a cosmopolitan character without sacrificing its "Kolkata" flavour. It's a foodie's paradise and its restaurants, sweet shops and snacks stalls draw people from all over the city.A police officer told TOI: "The local police have not received any complaint on this issue. However, the matter is under inquiry."Video seems to be tailored: Delhi BJP president Virendra SachdevaDelhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva on Tuesday claimed that the video posted on social media by Trinamool Congress MP Mohua Moitra seemed to have been “tailored by people with vested political interest to disturb community harmony in CR Park”. He added,“We strongly condemn the incident and request Delhi Police to take stern action.” Sachdeva said,“Everyone should respect the sanctity of temples and, here at CR Park fish markets, traders have always respected temples. Fish markets have been legally allotted and the traders maintain high level of cleanliness in the area and take regular part in socio-religious activities of CR Park.”