Tensions Rise in Old Delhi Amid Demolition Drive Near Historic Mosque
Demolition Operation Sparks Protests
Early Wednesday morning, a serious situation unfolded in Old Delhi as officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and law enforcement agencies initiated an anti-encroachment drive near a century-old mosque at Turkman Gate. Although the demolition was scheduled to commence at 8 AM, it actually began around 1:30 PM, prompting local residents to protest. Authorities reported that some individuals attempted to incite unrest by throwing stones, which was swiftly addressed with restrained and minimal force.
Details from Police Officials
Vivek Agrawal, the Deputy Commissioner of the city’s Special Police Zone (CSPZ), provided insights into the recent demolition operation, stating that the matter had been pending in the High Court for an extended period and that action was taken only after receiving court orders. Speaking to a news outlet, he mentioned that the area in question spanned approximately 36,400 square feet, surrounded by a two-story wall with a single-story structure on top. He assured that the mosque's land remains secure and that a significant police presence was deployed, with senior officers monitoring the site throughout the night. Despite incidents of stone-throwing, the police were well-prepared, utilizing 32 JCB machines, four excavators, pneumatic hammers, and several trucks, with no injuries reported among their team.
Political Reactions and Legal Actions
Earlier, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal commented on the demolition efforts and the stone-throwing incidents, asserting that the actions were conducted in accordance with the law. In connection with the stone-throwing at Turkman Gate during the official operation, the Delhi police registered an FIR against unidentified individuals following an attack on their team.
Police officials indicated that further legal actions would be taken once the identification process was completed and sufficient evidence was collected. Meanwhile, local residents expressed their concerns, with one individual stating, "The wedding hall was built later; there used to be a cemetery here... The people from the shrine constructed the wedding hall after removing the cemetery. This hall should not have been built here." Authorities confirmed that the situation in the area is under control, with security forces deployed to prevent further unrest.
Continued Demolition Efforts
Earlier on Wednesday, during the MCD's demolition operation on encroached land near Turkman Gate, four to five police officers sustained minor injuries due to stone-throwing. The police stated, "The operation is still ongoing. The MCD is continuing with the demolitions, and we have our security personnel stationed."