Cops: Online rumours led to Delhi clash

Police have also identified at least 10 social media influencers who allegedly spread false claims that a mosque had been demolished

- Agencies

Misleading audio messages circulated on multiple WhatsApp groups were key to fuelling rumours about the alleged demolition of the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque near the Turkman Gate, even as officers moved swiftly to counter the narrative, an official said on Thursday.

An anti-encroachment drive near the mosque in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan area on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday triggered violence as many people pelted stones at police personnel, injuring five of them, including the area's station house officer.

In all, 10 people were arrested, and a juvenile was apprehended.