New Delhi: A demolition drive carried out near the century-old Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque in central Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan area turned violent on Wednesday, leaving five Delhi Police personnel injured after a section of locals allegedly pelted stones and glass bottles at officials during the operation.
Police said the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was clearing unauthorised structures on land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard at Turkman Gate, in compliance with a Delhi High Court order. While the mosque itself was not touched, tension flared when heavy machinery arrived at the site.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan, police had earlier held discussions with local residents to explain that the action was legally mandated and said cooperation was initially smooth. However, a crowd of around 100–150 people later gathered as bulldozers moved in, and a small group allegedly began stone-pelting. Tear gas shells were used to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Police detained five people and registered an FIR against unidentified persons under sections relating to rioting, assault on public servants and obstructing government duty. Officials said 20–25 people were directly involved in the violence, and further identification is underway. Investigators are also examining whether the unrest was pre-planned.
The MCD said the demolition was part of a court-mandated anti-encroachment action. Deputy Commissioner Vivek Kumar said around 36,000 square feet of illegal structures were cleared, including a diagnostic centre, a marriage hall and boundary walls declared encroachments. Nearly 30 bulldozers, 50 dumpers and over 300 civic staff were involved in the overnight operation.
Officials stressed that “extensive coordination” meetings had been held in advance with community representatives to maintain peace.
Police said the situation is now fully under control and normalcy has been restored. Further legal action is underway against those involved in violence.
