Violence Erupts in Central Delhi Following Demolition Drive, 12 Arrested
Recent Arrests in Connection with Violence
In the aftermath of clashes and stone-pelting incidents following a demolition drive ordered by the court in the Turkman Gate area of central Delhi, authorities have made another arrest related to the violence near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque. To date, a total of 12 individuals have been apprehended, including a minor. The latest suspect has been identified as Mohammad Imran, a resident of Seelampur. As part of the ongoing investigation, police have detained 15 additional individuals for questioning. Officials are also interrogating a YouTube influencer from Jamia Nagar to ascertain his involvement in inciting unrest.
Enhanced Security Measures in the Area
In light of the Friday prayers, security has been significantly tightened in and around the area. Additional Police Commissioner Nidhin Valsan stated, "We have arrested Mohammad Imran (36). The investigation is ongoing, and security will remain heightened in the area." A large contingent of police and paramilitary forces has been deployed in sensitive locations to maintain law and order.
Senior officials have been observed monitoring the situation on the ground. According to police, extra forces have been stationed near mosques and surrounding streets, with checkpoints established at strategic points to control movement and prevent any untoward incidents. Valsan also mentioned that drone surveillance and CCTV monitoring are being utilized to keep a close watch on the area.
Police Appeal for Calm
A police officer remarked, "The situation is peaceful and under control. In anticipation of Friday prayers, we have implemented adequate security measures. Our team is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular contact with local community members." Authorities have urged the public to maintain peace and refrain from paying attention to unverified messages.
FIR Filed by Delhi Police
On Thursday, a Delhi court remanded five individuals to 13 days of judicial custody. The accused—Mohammad Arib, Kashif, Adnan, Mohammad Kaif, and Sameer—were presented before Judicial Magistrate Pooja Suhag. The court has scheduled a hearing for their bail applications on Friday.
The Delhi Police filed an FIR against the five suspects at the Chandni Mahal police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 221 (preventing a public servant from performing their duty), Section 132 (using force against a public servant), Section 121 (causing injury to prevent a public servant from duty), Section 191 (rioting), Section 223(A) (disobeying orders issued by a public servant), and Section 3(5) (joint liability), along with provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
Background of the Incident
Violence erupted late Tuesday night near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque during a demolition drive in the Ramleela Maidan area, where several individuals hurled stones at police officers, resulting in injuries to five officers, including the station house officer. Police sources indicated that tensions escalated after a social media post claimed that the mosque located in front of Turkman Gate was being demolished, prompting people to gather at the site.
It is reported that between 150 to 200 individuals participated in throwing stones and glass bottles at police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) staff. MCD Deputy Commissioner Vivek Kumar stated that approximately 36,000 square feet of encroached land was cleared during the operation. He informed the media that a diagnostic center, a banquet hall, and two boundary walls were demolished during the overnight operation.