WHATSAPP RUMOURS SPARKED TURKMAN GATE VIOLENCE

Police trace mosque demolition rumours to WhatsApp groups as investigation widens after stone-pelting incident

- TIKAM SHARMA

Misleading messages circulated on multiple WhatsApp groups played a key role in spreading rumours about the alleged demolition of the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque near Turkman Gate, triggering tension ahead of a court-mandated anti-encroachment drive, Delhi Police officials said.

Themisinformation, mostly in the form of voice notes, falsely claimed that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was demolishing the mosque. Police said the messages were shared widely in community, religious and neighbourhood groups, some of which were already under police surveillance. Four to five groups that showed an aggressive or provocative tone were placed under close watch.

Investigators noted that no new WhatsApp groups were created immediately before the incident, a factor now being analysed to determine whether the spread of misinformation was pre-planned.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police have arrested three more people in connection with the stone-pelting incident that followed the MCD demolition drive near the mosque earlier this week. With these arrests, the total number of people in custody has risen to 16.