Violence Erupts During Anti-Encroachment Drive Near Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque
Violent Protests Erupt in Turkman Gate
In the Turkman Gate area, near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque, a group of approximately 30 to 35 individuals reportedly protested against the police during an anti-encroachment operation ordered by the court. According to a report filed by the Delhi police, the protesters broke barricades and damaged a loudspeaker. A senior police official stated that over 100 demonstrators were involved in stone-pelting against police and officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) during the operation conducted late Tuesday night into Wednesday.
On Thursday, the Delhi police identified 30 individuals linked to the violence at Turkman Gate, which resulted in injuries to five police officers. Police teams are actively conducting raids to apprehend these suspects.
Investigation of 400 Videos Underway
Additionally, several new videos have surfaced on social media showing confrontations between stone-throwers and police. The police reported that they are currently reviewing over 400 videos related to the incident.
Sources from the Delhi police indicated that a notice will be sent to Mohibullah Nadvi, a Member of Parliament from Rampur representing the Samajwadi Party, to participate in the investigation.
Violence Breaks Out During Anti-Encroachment Operation
It is noteworthy that violence erupted early Wednesday near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque during the anti-encroachment drive, with some individuals throwing stones at police officers, resulting in injuries to five officers.
To control the protests that occurred late Tuesday into Wednesday, police employed mild force and tear gas, detaining five individuals, including a minor, while 10 to 15 others were also taken into custody.
Crowd Gathers Amidst Claims of Mosque Demolition
The unrest began following a social media post claiming that the mosque was being demolished during the anti-encroachment operation.
Shortly thereafter, a crowd gathered, and some individuals began throwing stones and glass bottles at the police and MCD staff. The MCD was conducting the operation under the directives of the Delhi High Court to remove encroachments near the mosque and the adjacent cemetery. MCD Deputy Commissioner Vivek Kumar clarified that while some commercial establishments, including a diagnostic center and a banquet hall, were demolished, the mosque itself was not harmed.
Protesters Gathered During the Drive
The police reported that around 100 to 150 people had gathered at the site during the operation. Most of the crowd dispersed after discussions, but a few individuals caused disturbances and engaged in stone-pelting, leading to injuries among five police officers. The police are investigating whether the violence was spontaneous or premeditated to obstruct the drive. In a statement, the Delhi police mentioned that tear gas was used to disperse the crowd, after which the situation was brought under control and normalcy was restored.