Who Are the 30 Individuals Identified in the Turkman Gate Violence?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Delhi Police announced on Thursday that they have pinpointed 30 individuals involved in the unrest that broke out during the municipal corporation's demolition efforts near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area. This identification was based on CCTV footage, recordings from police body cameras, and various viral clips circulating online.
Authorities stated that a summons will be issued to Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi for participation in the inquiry, as he was purportedly in the vicinity prior to the outbreak of violence.
According to police reports, senior officials had advised the MP to keep distance from the area, yet he remained close to the location before the chaos ensued.
As of now, the Delhi Police have arrested five suspects in relation to the stone-pelting incident that took place during the demolition drive near the mosque. Multiple police teams have been assembled, conducting raids to apprehend those identified.
The FIR, obtained by IANS, outlines the series of events, starting from the police barricading the encroached land to inciting slogans from locals, which ultimately led to stones being thrown at police personnel. The officers attempted to explain that the demolition was aimed at illegal constructions and the reclamation of government land, assuring that no damage would be inflicted upon the nearby mosque.
The unrest reportedly began at 12:40 a.m. when police initiated barricading. A crowd of 30-35 individuals gathered, vocally opposing the police efforts to establish a blockade.
Despite warnings that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was applicable due to potential danger, the crowd grew increasingly aggressive, escalating their slogans and pelting stones at the officers.
Clips of the incident, showcasing the stone-throwing and damage to barricades, have circulated on social platforms, inciting outrage among netizens over the assault on law enforcement.
According to the FIR, one protester even seized and damaged the loudhailer used by the police. The report states, “They not only obstructed and attacked the policemen on duty but also broke the loudspeaker, barricades and attacked policemen with stones.”
Several police officers, including the SHO, sustained injuries during the assault and required hospitalization at LNJP Hospital.
Following the deployment of additional forces, the violent demonstrators were pushed back, leading to the demolition of illegal structures surrounding the religious site.
The FIR has been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 221 (obstruction of public servants), 132 (assault on public servants), 121 (causing injury to deter public servants), 191 (rioting), 223 (A) (disobedience of public servant orders), and 3(5) (joint liability), as well as under the provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
The five individuals named in the FIR are Mohd Shahawaz, Mohd Aarib, Mohd Kasif, Mohd Adnan, and Mohd Kaif, all residents of the Chandni Mahal area.