The Delhi Police has stepped up its search for a YouTuber named Salman in connection with the stone-pelting incident during a municipal demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in Turkman Gate.
Police believe Salman played a role in mobilising people during the operation. Investigators say he used social media to call locals to the site, which later saw violence and clashes with law enforcement.
According to police sources, the aim was to disturb public order and disrupt the demolition work being carried out by civic authorities.
How the situation escalated during the demolition drive
The trouble began when teams moved in to clear encroachments near the mosque. As barricades were being put up, a crowd gathered. Soon after, stones were thrown at police personnel.
The FIR, accessed by IANS, traces the sequence in detail. It notes that barricading started around 12.40 am. At that point, 30 to 35 people assembled, raised slogans, and blocked officers from securing the area. The situation then turned violent.
Police say they tried to explain that the action was limited to illegal constructions and the clearing of government land. Despite this, stone-pelting continued.
Investigators have also flagged the role of local influencers. Some residents were allegedly urged to assemble through WhatsApp groups. The stated objective, police say, was to create unrest and prevent officials from carrying out their duties.
Arrests made, MP summoned, search operations continue
So far, five people have been arrested in the case. Police have identified 30 individuals involved in the violence using CCTV footage, body-worn camera recordings, and viral videos from the area.
Multiple teams have been formed, and raids are underway to take the remaining suspects into custody.
Delhi Police also plans to issue a summons to Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi to join the investigation. Officials said he was present near the site before the violence broke out.
According to the police, senior officers had asked the MP to stay away from the immediate area. He allegedly remained nearby despite those requests.
Meanwhile, the anti-encroachment drive continues. Debris is being cleared from the site. Security forces remain positioned in the area to maintain peace and prevent further disturbances.