Delhi Police is focusing on WhatsApp messages and voice notes as part of its investigation into the violence that erupted near the historic Turkman Gate area following the demolition of illegal structures. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, January 8, 2026, near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque close to Ramlila Maidan, led to stone-throwing and subsequent arrests.
WhatsApp Messages and Voice Notes Under Scanner
Police sources have identified Mohammad Adnan, a shoe shop salesman from Daryaganj, as a key instigator. Adnan is among the five individuals arrested in connection with the violence. Investigators allege he shared videos of police arrangements and voice notes in several WhatsApp groups, urging people to gather at the site.
A critical piece of evidence is a voice note allegedly retrieved from Adnan's mobile phone. In it, he is reportedly heard telling people to "come out" and stating that "this is not the time to sleep." This message was purportedly posted in two large Resident Welfare Association (RWA) WhatsApp groups for the area, each containing 300-400 members.
Large-Scale Police Investigation Underway
More than a dozen specialized teams from the Delhi Police, including the Special Staff, Crime Branch, and Special Cell, are probing whether a deeper conspiracy existed to create a law-and-order situation on Tuesday night. Police believe around 70 people were involved in the stone-pelting incidents.
While five have been arrested, authorities have identified another dozen suspects using CCTV footage, viral videos, and facial recognition technology. A senior officer also stated that the probe is examining the potential role of outsiders, including political functionaries, in instigating the violence.
Families of the Arrested Claim Innocence
The families of those detained have come forward, asserting their relatives' innocence and presenting alibis for the time of the violence.
The family of Mohammad Areeb, who runs a café near Jama Masjid, claimed he was arrested while returning home around 2:30 AM after work. A family member said Areeb had called at 2:45 AM and 2:50 AM to say he was on his way home to pick up milk and groceries before he "disappeared."
Brothers Mohammad Kashif and Mohammad Kaif were allegedly picked up from near their home in Gali Gariyan, Turkman Gate. Their family, represented by a man named Aadib, stated the brothers had gone out to fetch medicine for their ailing mother. They described the brothers as well-educated and employed, having supported the family since their father's death 13 years ago. Police confirmed Kaif is preparing for chartered accountancy exams, and Kashif works at Safdarjung Hospital.
In Chandni Mahal, the family of Sameer, an employee at a Daryaganj photo framing shop, said police took him from his home around 2:30 AM. His sister stated he had returned from a wedding at 11:30 PM and was asleep. She conceded that Sameer's "only mistake" was sharing a video that asked people to gather near the mosque.
The investigation continues as police piece together the sequence of events from the demolition of the illegal structures to the outbreak of violence, with digital evidence playing a central role.
