Tension flared in parts of Old Delhi after a pre-dawn demolition drive near a mosque led to protests and police action. The incident occurred close to the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area, where authorities conducted an anti-encroachment operation. The drive aimed to clear unauthorized structures in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directives.
The demolition operation, which involved a significant presence of civic staff and police personnel, began early Wednesday. Between 10 and 17 bulldozers were used in the operation, part of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s efforts to remove encroachments citywide. As the demolition progressed, local residents gathered outside the mosque, protesting the action by raising slogans.
The situation turned volatile when some individuals from the crowd tried to breach police barricades and hurled stones at security forces. In response, the police used tear gas to disperse the protesters and maintain order. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings related to the site, the demolition continued as planned. The Delhi High Court had issued a notice in response to a petition challenging the removal of alleged encroachments near the mosque and a nearby graveyard.
Local residents expressed strong opposition to the demolition, citing lack of consultation and potential community repercussions. However, civic officials defended the operation as lawful and necessary to reclaim public land. The situation was eventually brought under control with no major injuries reported, though security measures were heightened as a precaution.
