In a brazen attack on law enforcement, unidentified miscreants pelted stones at police in Delhi’s Turkman Gate late Wednesday, sparking immediate crackdown with 10 detentions and an FIR filed against unknown assailants. The episode has intensified security measures in the crowded locality.
The violence erupted without warning during peak evening hours. A group of around 20-30 people, reportedly provoked by a traffic altercation, turned aggressive and targeted the officers with bricks and stones. Quick thinking by the patrolling team prevented serious injuries, but the vehicle sustained damage.
Senior police sources revealed that the FIR invokes serious charges like Section 147 (rioting), 353 (assault on public servant), and 186 (obstructing public servant). Forensic teams are combing the site for evidence, while digital surveillance footage is being scrutinized to pinpoint the culprits.
‘This is an unacceptable assault on those protecting the public,’ remarked Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central). The 10 detained persons are being interrogated at the local station, with preliminary indications pointing to local troublemakers with prior records.
Residents of Turkman Gate, a vibrant yet volatile area near Jama Masjid, expressed mixed reactions. Some blamed anti-social elements exploiting festival crowds, others urged better policing. Historical tensions in the lane, known for its narrow byways and markets, often boil over into such incidents.
In response, police have deployed extra personnel and set up checkposts. This comes amid heightened alerts for Diwali preparations across Delhi. The incident underscores the fragile peace in old city pockets, where rapid urbanization clashes with traditional lifestyles.
Authorities vow comprehensive action, including potential bulldozer measures against illegal structures if linked to the violence. As night fell, calm returned, but the shadow of unrest lingers, prompting calls for proactive community engagement.