The Delhi Police on Thursday identified 30 individuals in connection with the violent stone-pelting incident at Turkman Gate during an anti-encroachment drive, which left five police personnel severely injured. Police teams have initiated raids across the city to apprehend the suspects.
The violence erupted in the early hours of Wednesday near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Ramlila Maidan area during a demolition operation led by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Authorities stated that some individuals began pelting stones and glass bottles at police and MCD staff, leading to significant injuries and chaotic scenes.
A senior police official disclosed that the investigation is heavily relying on digital evidence. "We have collected more than 400 videos related to the incident, which are being meticulously scanned to identify perpetrators and sequence the events," the official said. Additionally, new videos have surfaced on social media platforms showing direct confrontations between the stone-pelters and police forces, providing further leads.
In a significant development, police sources confirmed that a notice will be sent to Samajwadi Party MP from Rampur, Mohibullah Nadvi, asking him to join the investigation. Nadvi had arrived at the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque shortly before the violence broke out. A video of him arguing with police personnel at the mosque site went viral on social media, prompting investigators to seek his statement regarding the sequence of events.
The confrontation took place during an MCD drive to remove encroachments from land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard, following directions from the Delhi High Court. MCD Deputy Commissioner Vivek Kumar clarified that the drive targeted illegal commercial establishments—including a diagnostic centre and a banquet hall—and caused no damage to the mosque structure.
Police reported that a crowd of 100-150 people gathered as the demolition was underway. While most were persuaded to leave, a faction turned violent. “Five police personnel sustained injuries in the stone-pelting. We used mild force and tear gas to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control,” a police statement read.
Authorities are investigating whether the violence was a spontaneous outburst or a pre-planned attempt to disrupt the official drive. The trouble reportedly intensified after a social media post falsely claimed the mosque was being demolished, triggering more public mobilization.
So far, five individuals, including a juvenile, have been taken into custody, while 10-15 others were detained for questioning. Normalcy has since been restored in the area, with heightened police vigilance continuing.
The Delhi Police affirmed that strict legal action will be taken against all individuals involved in attacking officials and obstructing government work. Further updates are expected as the video analysis progresses and more suspects are apprehended.
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