Conspiracy allegations surface after Turkman Gate demolition protest as Delhi Police question influencer Aiman Rizwi, 20 arrested, and court reserves bail order in Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque case.
Qalam Times News Network
New Delhi | February 13, 2026
Conspiracy Angle Under Police Scanner
Conspiracy claims have emerged in connection with last month’s unrest during a demolition drive near the century-old Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in Delhi’s Turkman Gate–Ramlila Maidan area. Nearly four weeks after tensions escalated during the early-morning operation, Delhi Police have questioned a Muslim woman social media influencer, Aiman Rizwi, as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident.
According to officials, investigators are examining whether the violence that broke out during the anti-encroachment action was part of a larger conspiracy to disturb public order. Authorities believe certain videos circulated online may have played a role in drawing crowds to the site amid fears that the mosque itself was under threat.
Influencer Denies Role in Violence
Police sources indicated that Rizwi had uploaded a video in the early hours of January 7, shortly before the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) began the demolition process. Investigators suspect that the clip, along with other similar posts, may have contributed to a gathering of residents near the mosque.
However, Rizwi has firmly denied any involvement in the violence. She reportedly told police that she was not present at Turkman Gate during the demolition and had no role in any stone-pelting. She stated that she sought anticipatory bail after an arrest warrant was issued against her.
Describing herself as a social activist, Rizwi maintained that her video did not contain provocative language and had limited viewership. She further alleged that police officers visited her residence a day after the incident and detained her children for several hours while she was attending a family wedding. She also claimed that her mobile phone was seized as part of the investigation.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Police have stated that two additional individuals who allegedly posted similar videos remain absconding, along with several others accused of participating directly in the stone-pelting. So far, approximately 20 people have been arrested in connection with the case. Most are local residents, although authorities suspect that some outsiders may also have been involved.
A senior officer associated with the probe indicated that preliminary findings suggest the violence could have been pre-planned. The chargesheet is expected to be filed soon.
Meanwhile, a Delhi court has reserved its order on the bail applications of 12 accused persons. Additional Sessions Judge Bhupinder Singh heard final arguments and is scheduled to pronounce the order on February 16.
Background of the Demolition Drive
The protest occurred during a demolition drive conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi on January 7. The operation was carried out following a directive from the Delhi High Court to remove alleged encroachments in the vicinity of the mosque.
Officials stated that structures located outside the 0.195-acre plot housing the mosque and an adjoining dargah were removed. These included a baaraat ghar and a dispensary. Authorities clarified that neither the mosque nor the dargah was demolished.
Local residents, however, have presented a different account. They alleged that police fired tear gas shells continuously for nearly three hours despite harsh winter conditions, causing widespread discomfort. Some claimed that multiple individuals were injured during the operation and accused police of resorting to lathi charges.
There were also allegations that stone-pelting began only after police personnel allegedly threw stones first, a claim that authorities have not endorsed.
Fresh Legal Challenge
In a separate development, Mohd Kamran, head of the Civilian Welfare Charitable Trust, filed a petition concerning the demolition near Masjid Faiz Elahi at Turkman Gate. He argued that the action was taken under a High Court order targeting alleged encroachments but contended that the mosque’s managing committee and the Delhi Waqf Board were not made parties to the original proceedings.
Kamran’s plea sought directions to halt further action against the mosque premises, impose costs on Save India Foundation, and strengthen public interest litigation (PIL) guidelines to prevent what he described as misuse aimed at religious structures.
The court, however, declined to pass immediate relief and advised him to file an application for impleadment in the pending petitions.
With investigations ongoing, arrests continuing, and legal proceedings unfolding, the Turkman Gate demolition episode remains under close watch. The coming weeks are expected to bring clarity as the chargesheet is filed and the court rules on bail applications.
