In a swift and decisive operation, the Delhi Police has successfully thwarted a major attempt to disrupt public peace after false rumours regarding the demolition of a historic mosque triggered unrest in parts of the national capital. The police have made several arrests in connection with the case, preventing what officials describe as a deliberate plot to incite communal violence.
The Spark: How Rumours Led to Unrest
The incident unfolded on the morning of January 7, 2026, when unverified claims began circulating rapidly on social media platforms and through word-of-mouth. The rumours falsely alleged that the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque, located in the Kashmere Gate area of North Delhi, was slated for demolition by civic authorities. This misinformation quickly gained traction, leading to the gathering of agitated crowds near the mosque premises.
Local residents and community members, alarmed by the reports, assembled at the site. The situation grew tense, with protestors blocking roads and raising slogans. The Delhi Police was immediately alerted and deployed significant forces to the area to control the crowd and prevent the situation from escalating into a larger law-and-order problem.
Police Investigation Uncovers a Deliberate Plot
While initially working to disperse the crowd and clarify that no demolition order existed, the police launched a parallel investigation into the source of the rumours. Preliminary inquiries revealed a more sinister design behind the spread of false information. Senior police officials stated that the rumours were not a spontaneous mistake but part of a calculated conspiracy to create communal discord and destabilize the area.
Acting on specific intelligence and digital footprints, special teams from the Delhi Police's Crime Branch and local units conducted raids at multiple locations across the city. Several individuals have been taken into custody for their alleged role in fabricating and disseminating the inflammatory content. The police are interrogating the arrested persons to uncover the full network and the masterminds behind the plot.
"Our teams acted with urgency and precision. We have seized electronic devices used to create and spread the fake news. The intent was clearly to provoke violence and disturb the hard-earned peace of the city," a senior police officer involved in the operation stated.
Aftermath and Official Reassurances
Following the police action, the situation at Kashmere Gate has returned to normalcy. Authorities have issued official statements categorically denying any plans to demolish the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque, which is a protected heritage structure. Community leaders have also appealed for calm and urged people to verify information from official sources before reacting.
The Delhi Police has reiterated its commitment to maintaining communal harmony and has warned of strict legal action under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act against anyone found guilty of spreading false information with malicious intent. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of combating fake news and its potential to trigger real-world violence.
This successful operation by the Delhi Police underscores the importance of robust intelligence and prompt action in the digital age, where misinformation can spread like wildfire and have serious consequences for public order and national security.
