Clashes Erupt During Demolition Drive Near Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in Delhi
Violence Erupts Amid Demolition Efforts
On Wednesday morning, a demolition operation conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque at Turkman Gate led to violent clashes, resulting in injuries to at least five police officers. According to an official statement from the Delhi Police, the operation commenced around 1 AM in compliance with directives from the Delhi High Court. To maintain law and order during this operation, extensive security measures were implemented, dividing the area into nine zones, each overseen by an Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, with officers stationed at all sensitive locations.
Tensions Rise as Police Face Stone Pelting
The situation escalated in Old Delhi when some individuals attempted to breach barricades and hurled stones at police officers overseeing the demolition near the mosque. In response, the police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and regain control of the situation.
Demolition Operation Details
MCD officials confirmed that the demolition began at 1 AM following a court order aimed at removing illegal constructions near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque. Seventeen bulldozers were utilized for this anti-encroachment drive. The demolition continued despite the Delhi High Court issuing a notice on Tuesday regarding a petition filed by the mosque's management committee, challenging the MCD's decision to remove encroachments adjacent to the mosque and cemetery.
Local Residents Protest Against the Demolition
Local residents expressed strong opposition to the demolition, gathering at the site to protest. The police reported that significant forces were deployed in and around the area to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Ongoing Demolition Efforts
According to Walson, the demolition operation is still ongoing. The MCD is actively demolishing structures, and police personnel have been deployed for safety. The operation began around 1 AM, following the court's orders regarding the encroached land. Stones were thrown at the police during the night, but minimal force was used to push back the aggressors.
Police Response and Future Actions
An officer stated that the operation proceeded smoothly, with only four to five officials sustaining minor injuries. They plan to identify the assailants using CCTV footage and body camera recordings for legal action.
Efforts to Maintain Order
Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, Madhur Verma, noted that some individuals attempted to disrupt the operation by throwing stones. He assured that the situation was quickly brought under control with minimal force, restoring normalcy without significant tension.
Court Orders and Background
The MCD's decision was made under a November 12, 2025 order from a division bench of the High Court, which granted the civic body and PWD three months to remove encroachments covering 38,940 square feet near Turkman Gate. This order was issued in response to a petition from an organization named Save India Foundation, represented by lawyer Umesh Chandra Sharma.
Previous Surveys and Local Opposition
In October 2025, a joint survey confirmed encroachments on the land, some of which belonged to MCD, PWD, and L&DO. Following the notice, MCD officials attempted to mark the encroached area on January 4 but faced local protests, prompting an increase in police presence.
Legal Claims by Mosque Management
The management committee of the mosque has sought to annul the MCD's order, asserting that the property is utilized by them and that they pay rent to the Waqf Board. The petition claims that the land is a notified Waqf property governed by the Waqf Act, thus granting the Waqf Tribunal exclusive jurisdiction over related disputes.