Mutual fear and suspicion have replaced generally cordial relations, a change that could make it harder to defuse tensions between India's Hindu majority and its sizeable Muslim minority that have worsened during months of street protests.
At least 32 people died in the clashes, hundreds were wounded and buildings were torched in the worst sectarian violence in Delhi in decades.
"I have lived here for 35 years," said Santosh Garg, a Hindu who described a narrow escape on Monday when a mob of Muslim men set her house alight.