Delhi Police have significantly expanded their investigation into the violent clashes and stone-pelting that erupted in central Delhi's Turkman Gate area during an anti-encroachment drive near a mosque on the intervening night of January 6 and 7, 2026. The unrest began when municipal authorities, accompanied by police, initiated a demolition operation to remove alleged illegal encroachments, triggering resistance from local residents and shopkeepers, which quickly escalated into large-scale violence.
As of January 8, 2026, the police have arrested 11 individuals in connection with the incident, charging them under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, assault on public servants, and damaging public property. Authorities revealed that the probe has uncovered the involvement of at least 10 social media influencers who allegedly used platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp to mobilize crowds, spread provocative messages, and incite violence against the police and civic teams.
A key breakthrough came from the recovery and forensic analysis of multiple audio notes and voice messages circulated in community WhatsApp groups. These recordings reportedly contained inflammatory content urging people to gather in large numbers, resist the authorities, and even attack police personnel. Police sources said the audio clips, some of which were shared by the identified influencers, played a significant role in escalating the situation from peaceful protest to violent confrontation.
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The Turkman Gate incident has raised serious concerns over the role of social media in organizing and amplifying mob violence during civic operations. Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora stated that the force is treating the case with utmost seriousness and is examining digital footprints, call data records, and social media activity to identify all those who contributed to the unrest, whether directly or indirectly.
Local residents and shopkeepers have claimed that the anti-encroachment drive was conducted without adequate prior notice, leading to sudden panic and confrontation. However, municipal officials have maintained that repeated announcements and legal notices were issued over several weeks, and the operation was necessary to clear public pathways and ensure compliance with civic regulations.
The investigation remains active, with police forming special teams to track down additional suspects, including those who may have fled the area. Authorities have appealed to the public to provide any information related to the incident and warned against sharing or forwarding inflammatory content that could further disturb public order. The case continues to be closely monitored amid growing calls for accountability on both sides of the conflict.
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