Delhi Police has made a significant breakthrough in the Turkman Gate violence case, arresting one more individual, bringing the total number of arrests to twelve. The clashes erupted on January 9, 2026, during a contentious demolition drive targeting the historic Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in the bustling Old Delhi area.
Escalation During Demolition Drive
The situation turned volatile when civic authorities, accompanied by police personnel, arrived at Turkman Gate to execute a planned demolition. The action was reportedly aimed at removing what officials termed "illegal encroachments" around the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid. However, local residents and worshippers strongly opposed the move, leading to a heated confrontation.
Protesters argued that the structures were integral to the mosque complex and alleged that the drive lacked proper notice and sensitivity. As tensions flared, the protest escalated into violence. Stones were hurled, and several police officers and civilians sustained injuries in the ensuing chaos. The police were forced to use controlled measures to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following the incident, the Delhi Police launched a thorough investigation, scrutinizing video footage and eyewitness accounts to identify the perpetrators of the violence. A special team was formed to track down individuals involved in assaulting police personnel and damaging public property.
The latest arrest marks a crucial step in the probe. Police officials stated that the newly apprehended individual was identified through digital evidence and is believed to have played an active role in instigating the mob. With this arrest, the total number of people held in connection with the Turkman Gate violence now stands at twelve.
Authorities have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to rioting, unlawful assembly, assault on public servants, and obstructing government work. The investigation remains ongoing, with police not ruling out the possibility of more arrests.
Community Reaction and Legal Standoff
The demolition attempt and the subsequent violence have sent shockwaves through the local community in Old Delhi. Community leaders have expressed deep anguish, claiming the action was unilateral and have demanded a judicial inquiry into the entire episode. They maintain that the mosque and its ancillary structures have existed for decades and question the timing and legality of the demolition order.
On the other hand, the civic body insists the operation was part of a routine anti-encroachment drive to clear public passages and that due process was followed. The legal battle over the status of the structures is likely to continue in court, even as the police focus on maintaining law and order in the sensitive zone.
Aftermath and Calls for Calm
The area around Turkman Gate has witnessed heightened police deployment since the January 9 incident to prevent any further outbreak of unrest. Senior police officials have held meetings with community elders and local representatives to ease tensions and restore normalcy.
The incident has also sparked a wider debate on urban development, heritage conservation, and the protocol for conducting demolition drives in densely populated historical areas of the national capital. The focus now is on ensuring peace while the legal and investigative processes take their course.
As the Delhi Police continues its crackdown, all eyes are on the unfolding investigation and the potential for further developments in this sensitive case that has highlighted the fragile balance between urban governance and community sentiment in the heart of Delhi.
