Delhi Police have made one more arrest in connection with the violence that broke out during an anti-encroachment drive near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in the Turkman Gate area. With this arrest, the total number of people taken into custody in the case has gone up to 12, including one juvenile.
The latest accused has been identified as Mohammad Imran, a resident of Seelampur. Police have also detained around 15 other individuals for questioning as the investigation widens. Officials confirmed that a YouTube content creator from Jamia Nagar is being questioned to check whether online content played any role in provoking the unrest.
Following the incident, security agencies carried out late-night searches across different parts of the city to trace suspects and prevent any fresh disturbance. Police presence has been increased in several sensitive locations as a precautionary measure.
Ahead of Friday prayers, senior police officials held meetings with the Aman Committee to ensure peace and stop rumours from spreading. Areas such as Turkman Gate, Jamia Nagar, Chandni Mahal, Ballimaran and Jama Masjid have been placed under heightened security.
Police have advised people not to gather in large numbers near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid and requested worshippers to offer prayers at home or at nearby local mosques. Authorities said they are on alert for possible protests after prayers and have deployed additional forces to maintain law and order.
Earlier, a Delhi court sent five accused to 13 days of judicial custody. The accused were produced before the magistrate, who scheduled a separate hearing to consider their bail pleas.
The violence had erupted after claims circulated on social media that a mosque was being demolished during an anti-encroachment drive. Police said around 150 to 200 people gathered at the spot and some of them started pelting stones and bottles, injuring several police personnel.
Officials clarified that the demolition drive targeted illegal constructions around the area and did not damage the mosque. Several structures, including commercial properties and boundary walls, were removed during the operation.
