Delhi Police identifies 10 social media influencers over Turkman Gate violence, summons one
New Delhi (PTI): A female social media influencer has been summoned for questioning after Delhi Police identified 10 influencers who allegedly spread rumours that the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque near Turkman Gate had been demolished during a court-ordered anti-encroachment drive.
The woman was summoned after social media monitoring teams of the police flagged a video in which she purportedly claimed that the mosque in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan had been razed, a senior police officer said on Thursday.
"Teams have identified at least 10 social media accounts, including one Salman, which were spreading rumours about the drive," he said, adding that the content being circulated was misleading and factually incorrect, triggering violence as many people pelted stones at police personnel.
"We have prepared a list of 10 influencers whose posts and videos are under scrutiny. We have more people under the radar. Our teams are analysing the content being circulated on social media, and these influencers will be questioned soon," the officer added.
Police said the woman has already been summoned after preliminary verification found her claims to be false and capable of creating fear and communal tension. The video, police said, was linked to misinformation surrounding a court-ordered anti-encroachment drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque area.
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"The video contained misleading claims related to the recent anti-encroachment drive. Such content has the potential to disturb public order and harmony," a police source said.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan had clarified that he personally had a meeting with more than 120-130 Maulvis days before the demolition.
"I made them understand that no demolition will be done in the Mosque, and only the illegally encroached area will be demolished. We have even told them that they can appeal against the court order," he said.
Another officer said that their social media teams are keeping a strict vigil on all platforms and closely monitoring the content being circulated. "Misinformation will not be tolerated, and those found spreading such content will be summoned," the officer said.
He said that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb public order by circulating rumours or misleading information. "No one will be spared if they are found trying to create panic or communal tension through false narratives," the officer said.
Police also appealed to the public to rely only on verified information and to refrain from forwarding unverified posts on social media platforms. "People are requested not to believe or share unverified content. Any attempt to mislead the public will invite legal action," the officer said.
So far, 10 people have been arrested and a juvenile apprehended for the violence. All are residents of the Turkman Gate area, police said.
Trouble began after social media posts falsely claimed that the mosque opposite Turkman Gate was being demolished, prompting more than 200 people to gather and later pelt stones and bottles at police personnel and civic body workers.
Officers have repeatedly clarified that the mosque was not damaged during the drive and that only illegal encroachments were cleared, including a diagnostic centre, a banquet hall and boundary walls.
The Additional CP Valsan earlier in the day said that adequate deployment of police and paramilitary forces has been made in the area to maintain law and order and that the situation is being closely monitored.
Police said they will continue monitoring social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain peace in the area.
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Infant dies after medical emergency on Jaipur-Bengaluru flight; emergency landing in Indore
Bengaluru: An Air India Express flight operating from Jaipur to Bengaluru made an emergency landing at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport in Indore on Tuesday following a medical emergency involving an infant passenger.
The infant, identified as Mohammed Abrar and aged around one year, reportedly suffered a choking incident while onboard the aircraft. When the child was brought to the hospital nearest to the airport, he was declared dead on arrival, The New Indian Express reported.
According to the report, the child was sick even before boarding. While on air, a cabin crew member spotted his mother crying and approached to help, when the full seriousness of the incident came to light. After some crew members tried to help, a doctor onboard who was travelling as a passenger tried to help as well, to no effect.
As the infant’s condition deteriorated, the flight crew declared a medical emergency and diverted the aircraft to Indore. Medical personnel were present on the ground upon landing, but the child could not be saved.
The exact cause of the choking is unclear. Further details are awaited.
