New Delhi, January 9: Authorities have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the vicinity of the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in Delhi, restricting public gatherings following a stone-pelting incident near the Turkman Gate area.
Police have urged people to offer prayers at home in view of the restrictions. The incident occurred after a demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi near the mosque on Wednesday.
Ahead of Friday prayers, more than 1,000 police personnel have been deployed in and around the mosque. Paramilitary forces and anti-riot vehicles have also been stationed in the area to prevent any untoward situation.
Police officials said that 11 people have been arrested so far in connection with the stone-pelting during the anti-encroachment drive. Around 30 individuals have been identified based on CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media. Raids are underway at multiple locations to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Body-worn camera footage recorded by police personnel before and during the demolition drive is also being examined to identify those involved in the violence.
In a related development, police are preparing to issue a summons to Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi, who was present at the site shortly before the violence erupted. Officials said he remained in the area despite repeated requests by senior officers to leave.
The demolition drive near Turkman Gate, close to Ramlila Maidan, was conducted following directions from the Delhi High Court. Police said the operation was carried out in the early hours of January 7 after multiple coordination meetings with Aman Committee members and local representatives to ensure peace.
