In the area that suffered the worst in the fighting, many residents laid blame on Mr. Mishra, who declined a request for an interview. But in a Twitter post, he said “It’s not a crime to ask for blocked roads to be opened. “There are so many TVs in your office, how can a police officer say that he hasn’t watched the videos? “Kapil Mishra was only trying to help.”But others wonder if Mr. Mishra was trying to make a name for himself in Hindu nationalist circles. He then started espousing Hindu nationalist views and vilifying Muslims, more out of political expediency than true belief, argued Mr. Bathla, who claims to have known Mr. Mishra for 30 years.

Source: International New York Times February 26, 2020 20:11 UTC