The unrest erupted during a court-ordered anti-encroachment drive near Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque, with social media playing a key role in the escalation.
Delhi Police Crack Down After Stone-Pelting, Social Media Rumours Fuel Chaos
In the aftermath of violent clashes during an anti-encroachment drive at Turkman Gate in central Delhi, authorities have widened the investigation and made significant headway. The Delhi Police have arrested 11 individuals, including a juvenile, and identified 10 social media influencers for allegedly spreading false claims and inciting unrest.
The violence broke out near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque, located in the Ramlila Maidan area, during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, when authorities moved in to clear illegal structures as per a court mandate. The situation escalated quickly, leading to stone-pelting and injuries to at least five police personnel.
Key Developments in the Investigation
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Arrests Made: As of Thursday, police have arrested 11 individuals. The latest to be arrested include Afaan, Adil, Shahnawaz, Hamza, Atharr, and Ubed — all locals from the Turkman Gate area.
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Judicial Custody: Earlier arrestees Mohammad Arib, Kashif, Adnan, Mohammad Kaif, and Sameer were remanded to 13 days of judicial custody.
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Social Media Role: Police flagged 10 social media influencers, including a female influencer who posted a now-debunked video alleging the demolition of a mosque.
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WhatsApp Audio Notes: Circulating misleading audio messages across WhatsApp groups allegedly incited panic and provoked violence.
Delhi Mayor’s Response and Future Plans
Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh addressed the situation and announced plans for a comprehensive survey around the Jama Masjid area to identify further encroachments.
“We will begin surveys in areas near Jama Masjid where encroachments exist. The concerned departments, junior engineers, and inspectors will be part of the process,” Singh told the media.
VIDEO | Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh says, “A survey will soon begin in all the areas near Jama Masjid where there is encroachment. We have (concerned) departments, JEs and inspectors who regularly visit the area. Soon, we will know about the encroachment and get the survey. We… pic.twitter.com/8LoLu2lI7h
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 8, 2026
How the Violence Escalated
According to police, the clashes began after false claims surfaced on social media suggesting the mosque opposite Turkman Gate was being razed. These claims reportedly prompted over 200 people to gather and attack civic officials and police personnel with stones and glass bottles.
Local authorities had demolished illegal structures, including a banquet hall, diagnostic center, Hajj accommodation, and portions of roads and footpaths. The operation, however, faced stiff resistance.
Conflicting Narratives
While the police maintain that the violence was incited by misinformation, locals claim that police first used tear gas shells to disperse peaceful protesters, and the stone-pelting was a reaction to that.
Conclusion
The Turkman Gate incident highlights the dangerous interplay between social media misinformation and law enforcement operations. As Delhi Police continue their probe, the focus remains on identifying digital provocateurs and restoring order in sensitive urban pockets.
