Following the recent stone pelting incident near the Turkman Gate area, a ban has been imposed on gatherings around the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in Delhi by invoking Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS).
Delhi Police has appealed to people to pray at home. The stone pelting incident occurred following a demolition drive conducted near the mosque by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Wednesday.
In view of the Friday prayers, Delhi Police has deployed more than 1,000 policemen outside the mosque and surrounding areas. Apart from this, paramilitary forces and anti-riot vehicles have also been deployed near Faiz-e-Llahi Mosque to prevent any untoward incident.
According to Delhi Police, a total of 11 people have been arrested so far in connection with the stone pelting incident that took place during the anti-encroachment operation.
On Thursday, Delhi Police also confirmed that 30 people have been identified for their alleged involvement in the violence.
They were identified with the help of CCTV footage and videos going viral on social media. Police have conducted raids at several places to take the remaining suspects into custody.
Before the stone pelting, a video taken from the police’s bodycam recorded the scene of the encroachment being removed. Other similar videos, taken from police bodycams, are also being seen, possibly capturing rioters.
In a related development, Delhi Police is going to issue summons to Samajwadi Party MP Mohibullah Nadvi, asking him to join the investigation.
Nadvi was present at the scene shortly before the violence broke out. Police said that despite repeated requests from senior officers, they remained present near the spot at the time of the incident.
Following directions from the Delhi High Court, a demolition drive was carried out near Turkman Gate near Ramlila Maidan. Police said the action was taken on the morning of January 7 after several coordination meetings with Aman Committee members and local stakeholders to maintain peace.