New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) - On Friday, the Delhi Police apprehended another suspect related to the unrest that occurred during the municipal corporation’s demolition operation near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area of the capital.

This recent arrest brings the total number of individuals detained in this incident to 12.

The latest suspect has been identified as Mohammad Imran, who is also known as Raju, aged 36.

Previously, on Thursday, the police indicated that approximately 30 persons involved in the violence had been identified through CCTV footage, body-worn camera recordings of law enforcement, and various videos that circulated on social media.

Furthermore, police officials announced that a summons would soon be issued to Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Mohibbullah Nadvi, requesting his participation in the investigation. It has been reported that the MP was allegedly present at the location just before the disturbances initiated. Senior officials had advised him to keep his distance from the demolition site, yet he remained in the vicinity prior to the turmoil.

In addition, efforts have intensified to locate YouTuber Salman, who is also implicated in this case. Police are preparing to issue a notice to him, as he is accused of attempting to disrupt public order via social media by urging residents to assemble at the site during the demolition.

The investigation has disclosed that several influential figures in the neighborhood allegedly utilized WhatsApp groups to incite residents to gather at the location, with the intent to create chaos and hinder the operations of civic authorities and law enforcement during the demolition.

A copy of the FIR, obtained by IANS, details the progression of events leading to the unrest. It states that the turmoil began around 12:40 a.m. when police began barricading the encroached government land ahead of the demolition. As barricading occurred, a group of approximately 30 to 35 individuals gathered, shouted inflammatory slogans, and attempted to obstruct police from establishing barriers.

The FIR further conveys that the situation escalated when the crowd started hurling stones at police personnel, despite officers attempting to clarify that the demolition was confined to illegal constructions and the removal of encroachments on government property. Law enforcement also reassured the crowd that there would be no damage to the adjacent mosque during the operation.

On Thursday, BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticized Congress and SP, asserting that both parties are aligning with Pakistan's perspective regarding the recent court-ordered demolition of illegal encroachments near the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque in Delhi.

He shared a video featuring Tahir Andrabi, an ambassador and spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign affairs, voicing the country’s stance on encroachments near the structure in Delhi.

In a strongly phrased message shared on social media, Bhandari accused the opposition parties of siding with Pakistan’s narrative, putting electoral considerations above respect for India’s legal process and rule of law.

This controversy originates from the Delhi High Court’s order to eliminate illegal structures surrounding the mosque, a decision that has ignited political debate and protests in certain circles.

While the BJP defends the demolition as a lawful action mandated by the judiciary, leaders from Congress and SP have criticized the decision, citing worries about community sentiments.