New Delhi: Fresh revelations have emerged in the Turkman Gate stone-pelting incident, where police and civic officials were attacked during an anti-encroachment drive near the Faiz Ilahi Masjid on the night of January 6. As the investigation deepens, Delhi Police now suspects the violence was not spontaneous but part of a larger, organised conspiracy.
So far, 12 people have been arrested, all of whom were clearly seen hurling stones at police and civic staff in viral video clips. Police officials confirmed that five accused were arrested the morning after the incident, followed by seven more arrests on the next day, based on video verification and identification.
Women, Minor Among the Accused
Investigators revealed that the arrested group includes a minor and several women, whose identities have been confirmed through footage. Police are preparing further legal action against those identified but not yet detained.
Outsider Angle Raises Red Flags
One arrest has drawn particular attention. Mohammad Imran, the 12th accused, is a resident of Sultanpuri, while the remaining 11 accused are locals of the Turkman Gate area. Police are questioning how and why a person from Sultanpuri reached the protest site, suggesting possible coordination beyond the local area.
Bottles, Stones and a Mob of 200
According to the investigation, the police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi teams were attacked not only with stones but also glass bottles. Officials estimate that 150 to 200 people, including women, participated in the violence, triggering a serious law-and-order breakdown.
To control the situation, police were forced to resort to lathi-charge and tear gas, after repeated warnings failed to disperse the mob.
Police say they have collected over 450 video footages, including CCTV, drone visuals and body-worn camera recordings, to identify more suspects. Around 30 individuals are currently on the police radar, including three key persons accused of spreading false rumours through 4–5 WhatsApp groups.
Investigators have also identified around 10 social media influencers allegedly involved in amplifying provocative content. Police allege that religious references were deliberately used in viral messages to inflame tensions and mobilise the crowd.
What Punishment Can the Accused Face?
Legal experts point out that stone-pelting on police is a serious criminal offence. The case includes provisions under:
- Section 323 IPC – Up to 1 year imprisonment or fine or both
- Section 147 IPC – Up to 2 years imprisonment or fine or both
- Section 152 IPC – Up to 3 years imprisonment
- Section 427 IPC – Up to 2 years imprisonment
Police have not ruled out invoking UAPA or NSA, which would make bail extremely difficult, if evidence confirms organised conspiracy and incitement.
No Leniency, Say Police
Delhi Police officials have made it clear that no one involved in disturbing communal harmony and attacking law-enforcement personnel will be spared. Each video is being examined frame by frame, and more arrests are expected in the coming days.
The Turkman Gate case is now being treated as a test case for dealing with mob violence triggered through misinformation, with authorities determined to send a strong deterrent message.
