New Delhi: A routine anti-encroachment operation near a mosque in central Delhi escalated into unrest early Wednesday, leaving at least five police personnel injured, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred in the Ramlila Maidan–Turkman Gate area when teams from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) began removing structures deemed illegal on land adjacent to the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque and a nearby burial ground. The action was undertaken in compliance with an order issued by the Delhi High Court.
According to police, tensions flared as demolition equipment, including earthmovers, approached the site during the late-night operation. A gathering of around 100 to 150 people assembled, and while many left after repeated appeals by authorities, a small group allegedly turned hostile and began pelting stones.
In the ensuing chaos, five police personnel sustained minor injuries. They were promptly provided medical care. To prevent the situation from spiraling further, police resorted to firing tear gas shells, which helped disperse the crowd and restore order within a short period.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan said the demolition had been planned for the night of January 6–7, and adequate security arrangements were made in advance. “Most residents cooperated after being informed that the action was lawful. Unfortunately, a few individuals attempted to disrupt the process,” he said.
Authorities stated that the structures being removed included a banquet hall and a dispensary that had been identified as encroachments by the court. Legal proceedings will follow once medical reports are received, and CCTV footage from the area is being examined to identify those involved in the violence.
Police officials added that they had been alerted beforehand by the MCD and had held coordination meetings with local peace committees to prevent disturbances. Senior officers were deployed across the area as a precautionary measure.
Normalcy has since returned to the locality, and officials reiterated that the demolition drive was conducted strictly under legal directives.
