Investigation continues as authorities examine CCTV footage, medical records, and social media evidence; 12 more arrested
NEW DELHI — The Tis Hazari Court on Friday issued a notice to Delhi Police in the ongoing Turkman Gate stone-pelting case, following the bail pleas of five accused involved in violence near Faiz-e-Ilahi Masjid. The next hearing has been scheduled for 13 January.
The five accused—Mohammad Arib, Kaif, Kashif, Adnan, and Sameer—had approached the court seeking bail. During the hearing, the court also heard that the accused were subjected to beating and torture in judicial custody. The court directed the jail superintendent to submit medical records and CCTV footage of all five accused before the next hearing.
The case stems from violence that erupted during an anti-encroachment drive near Faiz-e-Ilahi Masjid in Turkman Gate. As part of the operation, Delhi Police attempted to clear encroachments on government land when a crowd of 30 to 35 people allegedly gathered, threw stones, and raised provocative slogans against law enforcement.
Earlier in the day, Delhi Police arrested Mohammad Imran alias Raju, 36, increasing the total number of arrests in the case to twelve. Authorities stated that the identities of roughly 30 individuals involved in the violence have been verified through CCTV footage, body-worn camera recordings, and videos circulating on social media.
A senior Delhi Police officer said, “We are closely monitoring the situation. Those who instigated the crowd, disrupted the encroachment drive, and endangered public safety will face strict legal action.”
During the hearing, defence lawyers alleged that the accused faced physical assault while inside the prison premises. The court noted the claims and issued notices to the police, highlighting the need for transparency and proper documentation of the accused’s conditions.
Special Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava has been appointed to represent the Delhi Police in this matter. He is tasked with defending the police actions and ensuring the legal process proceeds smoothly.
In a related development, the police have indicated that a notice will soon be issued to Samajwadi Party MP Mohibullah Nadvi, who was reportedly present near the site shortly before the violence broke out. Senior police officials claim that the MP was advised not to be near the encroachment site, yet remained in the vicinity.
Meanwhile, social media influencer Salman is also being sought by authorities for allegedly inciting public unrest through online platforms. Police allege that Salman encouraged locals to gather during the anti-encroachment drive, potentially obstructing municipal and law enforcement work.
“The crowd was mobilised through WhatsApp groups and other platforms by certain influential people in the area. Their aim appeared to be to create disruption and prevent officials from performing their duties during the encroachment drive,” a police official said.
According to the FIR filed by Delhi Police, the unrest began around 12:40 am when officers were attempting to set up barricades prior to bulldozer operations on encroached government land. The gathered crowd allegedly raised slogans, obstructed police personnel, and attempted to prevent the law from being enforced.
The Tis Hazari Court will hear the next arguments in the case on 13 January. The court’s notice to the police and the collection of CCTV and medical records underline the judiciary’s scrutiny of both the conduct of the accused and the actions of law enforcement.
Authorities have stressed that investigations are ongoing and have urged residents to cooperate and avoid spreading rumours on social media, which could escalate tensions in the area.
