Voicing concern over the recent violence in north-east Delhi, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen said India is a secular country and people cannot be divided along religious lines.

"India is a centrally-ruled territory. We can't divide Hindus and Muslims. As an Indian citizen, I can't help but worry," reports our New Delhi correspondent quoting Sen.

Sen demanded an investigation to find out whether the Delhi Police was inefficient or there was a lack of government effort to tackle the violence.  

"I am very worried and disturbed that the violence took place in the capital of the country. If minorities are tortured and police failed or could not discharge their duties, then it is a matter of serious concern," Sen said after attending an event organised by the Pratichi Trust according to the correspondent.

Sen reiterated that he was merely raising a few questions about the Delhi violence out of concern and would not jump to any conclusions without analysing the entire matter.

He also said the timing of Justice S Muralidhar's transfer, who was hearing the Delhi violence case, raised questions even though the decision for transfer was taken long ago.