Turkman Gate violence: police nab two more, intensify surveillance

Two more persons were arrested on Sunday for allegedly pelting stones at police personnel during the demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Ilahi mosque in central Delhi’s Turkman Gate area last week, taking the total number of arrests to 18, an officer said.

The police identified the arrested individuals as Fahim alias Sanu, 30 and 29-year-old Mohd. Sehzad. They added that surveillance in the area has been intensified with drones, extensive CCTV monitoring, and continuous police deployment on the ground.

Situation peaceful

“Drone surveillance and extensive CCTV monitoring are being carried out to keep a close watch in the area. The situation is peaceful and under control,” said the officer.

He added that the investigation is progressing steadily with digital evidence being analysed to identify those involved in spreading misinformation and triggering violence.

The demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Ilahi mosque turned violent on the intervening night of January 6 and 7, when a crowd allegedly pelted stones and glass bottles at the police, injuring five personnel, including a Station House Officer.

The police responded with force and used teargas shells to disperse the crowd. According to police sources, trouble began after a social media post claimed that the mosque was being demolished in the demolition drive, prompting many to gather at the site.