Bloomsbury India withdraws 'Delhi Riots 2020' book facing online ire; BJP MP slams move

A major controversy has stirred around a book titled - Delhi Riots 2020, which has w been withdrawn by publisher Bloomsbury India, after facing ire on social media on Saturday. BJP MP Bhupendra Yadav - who presided book's launch took to Twitter to lash out at liberals claiming this move to withdraw  book has 'unmasked left as it has unmasked those behind riots'. book, authored by Monika Arora, Sonali Chitalikar and Prerna Malhotra was launched at a public event, earlier in day with Vivek Agnihotri, Nupur Sharma and Kapil Mishra attending event.

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Bloomsbury withdraws book after backlash

stir was created when one of authors - Monika Arora took to Twitter to share a promotional poster of event with photos of guests. Several activists and journalists were aghast at seeing Kapil Mishra - who had given an incendiary speech ahead if 3-day riots, named as one of chief guests at event. Several social media users took to Twitter to condemn 'Bloomsbury India' - publisher for allegedly 'publishing a book of lies'. 

Facing severe online backlash, Bloomsbury India decided to withdraw book stating that 'it had kwledge of launch event' and would t have approved of participation of several parties. publisher issued a statement saying that 'Bloomsbury India had planned to release Delhi Riots 2020: Untold Story in September as a book giving a factual report on riots in Delhi in February 2020, based on investigations and interviews conducted by authors'. After withdrawing book, Bloomsbury added, "Bloomsbury India strongly supports freedom of speech but also has a deep sense of responsibility towards society".

This move by Bloomsbury too has ired several Twitter users, claiming that Bloomsbury was promoting 'cancel culture' and 'caving to social media pressure'. While several Twitter users lashed at some users who were calling for 'ban on book' and criticizing Bloomsbury, several users also pointed out curbing of freedom of expression. Most activists who had called for a ban on book have welcomed move by Bloomsbury.

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Delhi riots 2020

Clashes began between pro-CAA and anti-CAA groups as both camps resorted to stone-pelting on February 23 after Shaheen Bagh-like protests started in Jaffrabad and Chand Bagh. situation deteriorated even as Delhi Police was present at spot as houses, shops, and buses were burnt. While Home Minister reviewed situation on February 24  and 25 - while President Donald Trump visited India, violence increased killing 53 and injuring over 400. Jaffrabad, Maujpur, Babarpur, Yamuna Vihar, Bhajanpura, Chand Bagh and Shiv Vihar are among areas mainly affected by riots. 

Reports state that Delhi police have filed at least 111 charge sheets thus far in connection with riots, naming 650 people - including Shahrukh Pathan, ex-AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, Khalid Saifi. Reports state that Delhi police has told Delhi High Court that FIRs registered in connection with rth-east Delhi riot are sensitive and hence have t been uploaded on ir official website. Two SITs constituted by Crime Branch are probing into all FIRs. 

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