Delhi Police on Sunday announced the arrest of two additional accused in the Turkman Gate stone-pelting case, taking the total number of people held so far to 18.
Those arrested have been identified as Mohd Fahim, 30, a resident of Turkman Gate, and Mohd Shehzad, 29, who lives in Chandni Mahal. According to police officials, the arrests followed an examination of CCTV recordings, videos shared online, and mobile phone data linked to the incident.
The clashes broke out during a late-night demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque. The operation, conducted around 2 am on January 7 on the directions of the Delhi High Court, involved the deployment of 32 bulldozers to clear what authorities termed illegal constructions outside the mosque. Among the structures removed were a diagnostic centre, locally described as a charitable dispensary, and a banquet hall.
Residents objected to the demolition, leading to confrontations with the police. Officials claimed that protesters resorted to stone throwing, prompting the police to use batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. An FIR was subsequently registered, invoking charges related to unlawful assembly and rioting.
Police said security continues to be stepped up in and around Turkman Gate, with additional police and paramilitary personnel stationed in the area. Drone surveillance and round-the-clock monitoring through CCTV cameras are also in place. Senior officers maintained that the situation remains calm.
Investigators said they are continuing to analyse digital material to trace others allegedly involved in the violence, including those accused of spreading misinformation online. Police added that around 10 social media influencers have been identified in this connection. Statements of five policemen who were injured during the clashes have also been recorded.
Police further said that Mohibullah Nadvi has been named in the investigation, alleging that he was present at the site ahead of the demolition and the subsequent unrest. Officials claimed he has not responded to summons issued to him so far.
In view of the situation, security has also been intensified around the Jama Masjid area, as the MCD prepares to survey nearby parks and public spaces for alleged encroachments, police said.
