Over 10 Police Companies Deployed as Overnight Encroachment Drive Near Turkman Gate Triggers Stone Pelting

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A tense situation unfolded in Old Delhi’s Turkman Gate area early Wednesday after civic authorities carried out a pre-dawn demolition drive near a historic mosque. The action aimed to clear encroachment around the mosque but led to clashes between residents and the police. The incident caused fear and unrest in the area for several hours.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi began the demolition around 1.30 am, much earlier than the planned 8 am start. Heavy machines moved into the narrow lanes near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque, close to Ramlila Maidan. Police teams secured the area as bulldozers removed structures built on land marked as encroached. Officials later said the mosque structure itself remained untouched.

Clash Breaks Out During Overnight Drive


As the demolition progressed, tension grew among residents. Groups gathered near the site and objected to the sudden overnight action. Soon, stone pelting began from parts of the crowd. Police responded to control the situation and fired tear gas shells after repeated warnings. Several videos circulated online showing chaotic scenes, though authorities said they could not confirm every clip.

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Delhi Police confirmed that at least five police personnel suffered injuries during the stone pelting. Officials described the injuries as minor. A senior police officer said the force used minimal action only to restore order and prevent further violence. By early morning, the situation came under control, and normal movement slowly resumed.

Court Orders and Legal Challenge


Police said the demolition followed directions from the Delhi High Court. The court had ordered civic agencies to clear encroachments from nearly 38,940 square feet of land near Ramlila Ground. A joint survey by multiple government bodies had marked the land as encroached. The MCD later issued notices stating that no valid documents proved ownership beyond the permitted area.

On December 22, the MCD issued a notice stating that any construction beyond 0.195 acres would face demolition. Authorities said no valid documents were produced to prove ownership of the encroached land. The mosque managing committee later challenged the decision in court. The High Court issued notices to the MCD, the Ministry of Urban Development, and the Delhi Waqf Board and asked them to respond.

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The mosque management committee challenged the demolition decision in court. The Delhi High Court issued notices to the MCD, the Ministry of Urban Development, and the Delhi Waqf Board and sought their responses. Despite the ongoing legal process, officials said the drive continued as part of compliance with earlier court directions.

Heavy Police Deployment, Residents Recall Fear


Police said they prepared extensively for the operation. The entire area was divided into zones, each under a senior officer. More than ten companies of Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed at sensitive points. Authorities also held meetings with local community members to avoid unrest.

Residents described a night of fear and confusion. A shop owner living near the mosque said police arrived around midnight and crowds soon gathered. The sudden demolition caused panic, and many families stayed inside their homes until morning. Calm returned only after police secured the area.

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The incident has once again highlighted the challenge of enforcing court orders in crowded and sensitive areas. While officials stress the need to clear encroachments, residents question the timing and manner of such drives. Authorities said they will review the situation and continue monitoring the area to prevent further trouble.