Delhi Police have intensified their investigation into the unrest that erupted during an anti-encroachment drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque in central Delhi’s Turkman Gate area. The clash, which included stone-pelting against authorities, occurred on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, following a court order to remove illegal structures near the century-old mosque.

Arrests and Detentions

A total of 11 individuals, including a juvenile, have been arrested in connection with the violence. On Thursday, police apprehended six more people—Afaan, Adil, Shahnawaz, Hamza, Atharr, and Ubed—all residents of Turkman Gate. Earlier arrests included Mohammad Arib, Kashif, Adnan, Mohammad Kaif, and Sameer, five of whom were remanded to 13 days of judicial custody by Judicial Magistrate Pooja Suhag.

Authorities have indicated that the unrest was fueled in part by misleading social media posts and circulated audio clips on WhatsApp, which falsely claimed that the mosque had been demolished.

Role of Social Media

Delhi Police have identified 10 social media influencers allegedly involved in spreading false claims about the demolition drive. A female influencer has been summoned for questioning after monitoring teams flagged a video in which she purportedly claimed that the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque had been razed. Preliminary verification showed the video to be false.

Police officials stated that misleading posts and audio messages circulated widely on social media platforms contributed to panic, prompting a crowd of over 200 people to gather near the site, leading to stone-pelting and attacks on police personnel and civic body workers. Five police officers, including the local station house officer, were injured in the incident.

Demolition Drive Details

The anti-encroachment operation targeted illegal structures near the mosque, including a banquet hall, a private diagnostic centre, a room used by Hajj pilgrims, portions of a road, a footpath, and a car park. Authorities reported that the drive was carried out carefully, and debris clearing is expected to be completed within two to three days.

Local Response

Local residents have disputed the police narrative, stating that protests were peaceful and that stone-pelting occurred only after authorities used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Residents also expressed concern about the manner in which the anti-encroachment drive was conducted and emphasized that their demonstrations were aimed at protecting community property, not inciting violence.

Delhi Administration’s Next Steps

Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh has announced a detailed survey of encroachments in areas surrounding Jama Masjid and Turkman Gate. Junior engineers, inspectors, and civic department officials will carry out the survey, ensuring ongoing monitoring of illegal constructions. Singh stated that teams are working diligently at Turkman Gate and expected debris removal to be completed soon.

Ongoing Investigation

Police continue to interrogate the arrested individuals and are examining the role of social media influencers in spreading misinformation. Authorities have reiterated that the unrest stemmed from false claims about the mosque demolition and warned that legal action will be taken against those found responsible for inciting violence.

The Delhi Police probe now encompasses both the direct participants in the stone-pelting and those responsible for spreading misinformation, highlighting the increasing scrutiny of social media’s role in triggering public unrest.