In a significant breakthrough, Delhi Police has nabbed six more people in connection with the violent clashes at Turkman Gate, pushing the total arrests to 18. The unrest, which unfolded in the heart of Old Delhi, stemmed from protests over urban renewal projects and quickly turned ugly with mobs hurling stones and setting fires.
What began as a peaceful demonstration against alleged encroachment removals escalated into full-blown anarchy on the streets lined with age-old shops and homes. Videos circulating online showed helmeted officers using batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd, while locals claimed excessive force was used.
The newly arrested suspects were tracked down through a combination of technical surveillance and tips from informants. Police sources indicate that these individuals played key roles in inciting the mob and damaging public property, including overturning barricades and assaulting personnel.
‘Our priority is to identify all masterminds behind this violence. No one will be spared,’ asserted a top officer. The probe has uncovered links to external elements allegedly fanning the flames for political gains, though details remain under wraps.
Turkman Gate, a bustling hub famous for its wholesale markets, now wears a tense calm with markets reopening cautiously. Shopkeepers report losses running into lakhs, blaming both protesters and delayed police response. Political parties have jumped into the fray, with opposition leaders criticizing the government’s heavy-handed approach.
Experts point to deeper issues like inadequate rehabilitation plans fueling such outbursts. As courts prepare to hear bail pleas, the administration faces pressure to balance security with sensitivity towards the underprivileged residents. This case underscores the challenges of policing heritage sites amid rapid urbanization.
