Delhi Police scored another breakthrough in the Turkman Gate stone-pelting case with the arrest of two more rioters late Thursday, pushing the tally of detentions to 18. The unrest, which gripped the iconic Old Delhi landmark, stemmed from protests over demolition drives and rapidly spiraled into anarchy as stone-throwers targeted law enforcers.
What began as a peaceful demonstration against civic actions turned ugly within hours. Hordes of angry locals, armed with stones and crude weapons, launched attacks from vantage points, injuring several policemen and bystanders. The melee lasted over two hours, with tear gas shells deployed only as a last resort to disperse the violent crowd.
The fresh arrests highlight meticulous police groundwork. Acting on tips and video evidence, teams swooped down on hideouts in nearby slums, apprehending the duo who allegedly orchestrated the rooftop barrages. ‘These are hardcore elements with prior records of disturbing peace,’ a police spokesperson noted, detailing how digital forensics played a crucial role in piecing together the sequence of events.
Turkman Gate’s turbulent history resurfaced amid claims of biased enforcement and economic hardships fueling discontent. Political rhetoric has added fuel to the fire, with opposition parties criticizing the government’s handling. Meanwhile, forensic teams scour the site for more clues, and counseling sessions are underway for affected families.
As normalcy trickles back with heavy security presence, the incident serves as a stark reminder of simmering tensions in urban heritage pockets. Experts call for community policing and infrastructure upgrades to bridge divides. With courts set to hear remand applications soon, the coming days will test Delhi’s resolve in upholding law amid fragile social fabrics.