Delhi Police have made three additional arrests in connection with the violent clashes that erupted near the historic Turkman Gate last week. The latest apprehensions bring the total number of individuals held in the case to sixteen, as authorities intensify their crackdown on the alleged stone-pelters.
Latest Apprehensions and Police Investigation
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, law enforcement officials took into custody three local residents identified as Mohammad Naved, Mohammad Faiz, and Mohammad Ubaidulla. All three are accused of participating in the pelting of stones at police personnel during the disturbance on January 7.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Nidhin Valsan provided an update on the ongoing investigation, stating that the search is actively continuing for approximately ten more individuals suspected of involvement in the violence. The police are meticulously examining evidence and witness accounts to identify all perpetrators.
Root Cause: Misinformation Triggers Violence
The trouble began when an anti-encroachment drive was conducted by municipal authorities in the vicinity of the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area. The situation rapidly escalated due to the spread of false information on social media platforms.
Misleading posts falsely claimed that the mosque itself was slated for demolition. This incendiary misinformation prompted a mob to gather at the site. The gathering soon turned violent, with members of the crowd throwing stones and bottles at the police personnel and workers from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) who were present for the drive.
Aftermath and Ongoing Legal Action
The swift police response led to the initial arrests, and the investigation has been progressing steadily since. With the three latest arrests, the total number of people apprehended now stands at sixteen. The case underscores the challenges authorities face in managing law and order situations exacerbated by the rapid spread of unverified claims online.
This incident highlights the critical need for verifying information before reacting, especially in sensitive urban environments. The Delhi Police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining public order and ensuring that those responsible for violence are brought to justice.
