FIR says mob of 30 to 35 pelted stones, snatched police loud hailer during demolition drive near Delhi masjid (Express)
Days after violence broke out during an anti-encroachment drive to raze illegal structures on public land around the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque in Central Delhi’s Turkman Gate, the Delhi Police Friday advised people to offer namaz at their homes as BNSS Section 163 (restriction on gatherings) has been imposed around the masjid.
Police said they have arrested one more person, Mohammad Imran, who was allegedly involved in stone-pelting during the demolition drive. Police also questioned a YouTuber who recorded a video during the demolition, criticising the action.
According to police, Imran is a resident of Sultanpuri. Police believe a group of people from outside the area was involved in the stone-pelting and in instigating local residents to take part in it.
With Imran’s arrest, the total number of arrests in the case has reached 12. Police had earlier said 25-30 people were part of the mob.
A police team questioned the YouTuber and social media influencer, who had been summoned on Thursday. She allegedly made a video during the demolition, criticising the action. Police have identified 10 influencers for allegedly spreading rumours that the mosque had been demolished. Notices are being served to them, an officer had said.
Police said they would soon send notices to two politicians who may have been involved in instigating people.
Meanwhile, a large number of police personnel have been deployed across Turkman Gate, Chandni Mahal, Ballimaran, Jama Masjid, and other localities in the Walled City. Police are also keeping a close watch on sensitive pockets of Jamia Nagar and Northeast Delhi.
At least five police personnel were injured in the incident that took place in the early hours of January 7. More than a dozen teams of the Delhi Police are investigating whether there was a deeper conspiracy to create a law and order situation.
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