An anti-encroachment drive was carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on land adjoining the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque and a nearby graveyard at Turkman Gate early Wednesday. The demolition was initially scheduled for 8 am but was instead begun around 1.30 am. Tensions were reported after local residents gathered at the site. Clashes were later witnessed during the operation, and at least five police personnel were injured, officials confirmed. Security arrangements were subsequently strengthened in the surrounding area to prevent further escalation.
Delhi Demolition Drive: Heavy Police Deployment During Anti-Encroachment Action
Police officials said nearly 100–150 people assembled near the demolition site and raised slogans against the drive. Some protesters attempted to block the movement of bulldozers and earth-moving machines. According to the police, members of the crowd hurled stones at security personnel, which led to a brief escalation. Senior officers deployed additional police forces to control the situation. Several companies of police personnel remained stationed in the area while MCD teams continued the demolition under close supervision.
Delhi Police used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd after stone-pelting incidents were reported. DCP Nidhin Valsan said police applied minimal force and restored order within a short time. He added that the overall demolition process remained largely peaceful apart from the brief clashes. Authorities later confirmed that normalcy returned to the area and no further incidents were reporte
Delhi Demolition Drive: Police to Identify Those Involved Using Video Evidence
Police officials said they would identify those involved in the violence by examining CCTV footage, ground-level videos, and body-worn camera recordings. Legal action will follow once the identification process is completed. Meanwhile, police continue to maintain a strong presence in the locality to prevent fresh disturbances.
The MCD launched the demolition drive following notices issued over alleged encroachments on the land near the mosque and graveyard. The action also followed earlier High Court directions to clear encroachments in the Turkman Gate and Ramlila Maidan area.
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