Delhi Police on Sunday made two additional arrests in connection with the violent clashes that erupted at Turkman Gate in early January. The individuals were apprehended for allegedly attacking police personnel with stones during an anti-encroachment operation.
Details of the Latest Arrests
The newly arrested accused have been identified as Fahim (30), a resident of Gali Gudiyan, and Mohd Sehzad (29), who lives in Chandni Mahal. Their identification was made possible through a meticulous review of CCTV camera footage and body-worn camera recordings from the police personnel who were present at the site on January 7.
With these detentions, the total number of people arrested in this case has risen to eighteen. Delhi Police Additional Commissioner of Police, Nidhin Valsan, confirmed the updated arrest count.
The Incident and Its Trigger
The violence unfolded during an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in the vicinity of the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque. According to police, the situation escalated when a mob gathered after false claims on social media alleged that the historic mosque was being demolished.
This misinformation incited the crowd, leading them to pelt stones and bottles at the police officials and MCD workers who were carrying out the lawful drive. The Delhi High Court had previously directed the MCD to take action against encroachments around the Jama Masjid area, which includes this location.
Ongoing Investigation and Social Media Angle
Police sources indicate that the investigation is far from over. So far, authorities have identified approximately 25 people believed to be involved in the stone-pelting incident. The probe has also extended into the realm of social media, where the spread of false information is seen as a major catalyst for the violence.
In a related development, a social media influencer was summoned for questioning last Thursday. This action followed alerts from the police's social media monitoring teams about a video posted by the influencer, which purportedly claimed the mosque had been razed to the ground.
The use of technological evidence like CCTV and bodycam footage underscores the police's methodical approach to identifying and apprehending suspects involved in the unrest. The case highlights the challenges authorities face in managing law and order when misinformation spreads rapidly online.
