Acting on a Delhi High Court directive, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) conducted a demolition drive near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, close to Turkman Gate, on Wednesday. The action followed a court hearing on Tuesday, during which the High Court observed that the "matter requires consideration” and sought detailed responses from the Ministry of Urban Development, the MCD, and the Delhi Waqf Board. The authorities have been given four weeks to file their replies, and the matter is scheduled to be heard again on April 22.
As per a report by Times Now, after a video footage accessed by them indicated that the attack on police personnel during the operation may not have been spontaneous. The visuals reportedly show individuals within the crowd instigating violence, shouting slogans such as “mere sher, wah” as stones were hurled at police teams near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area.
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Demolition conducted on High Court directions
The demolition drive was undertaken by the MCD following directions issued by the Delhi High Court. The operation began around 1 am with the authorities deploying nearly 17 bulldozers initially to remove illegal constructions, including a dispensary and a community hall adjoining the mosque. According to officials, the scale of the operation was later expanded, and it involved about 30 bulldozers and 50 dumpers to remove debris.
More than 300 MCD workers and officers were deployed at the site, showcasing the massive logistical and security arrangements to carry out the court-mandated action.
Stone pelting caught on camera
As per the report by Times Now, sources said that the protest and stone pelting continued for five minutes. New footage has emerged, in which some people are seen provoking others in an attack on police, with an investigation underway into whether the violence was planned.
"MCD conducted demolition as per the high court’s orders on the encroached land. Stones were pelted at the police at night. We used minimal force to push back”, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Ravindra Yadav said.
The police used shields and gas bombs to disperse the crowd. There were four to five police officers injured in the incident. They had minor injuries.
FIR registered
The Delhi Police have filed an FIR against anonymous individuals in connection with the violence. It has been confirmed that 11 people have been taken into custody for questioning, and there are likely to be arrests as the identification of the attackers continues.
A Delhi police officer said at least five personnel were injured during the incident. DCP Nidhin Valsan told ANI, “Stones were pelted at the police at night. We used minimal force to push back. Apart from that, the overall process was very smooth… As soon as we get the CCTV camera footage, ground footage and body camera footage, we will identify the miscreants and take legal action.”
Traffic advisory issued
Reportedly, Delhi Traffic Police, anticipating traffic congestion caused by a heavy security presence, sent out a notification alerting people to possible traffic congestion around the area of Ramlila Maidan. People were advised to avoid the route. However, according to authorities, the situation has been brought under control with enough security forces present to avoid further flare-ups.
