Stone Pelting During MCD Demolition Drive Near Delhi Mosque, Five Cops Injured
At least five police personnel were injured after violence erupted during an anti-encroachment drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near a mosque in the Turkman Gate area early Wednesday.
The demolition drive was conducted at land adjoining the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque and graveyard near Ramlila Maidan, following directions issued by the Delhi High Court. Around 300 MCD officials and workers were present at the site when a group of residents allegedly began pelting stones at the teams, forcing police to intervene.
According to police officials, nearly 25 to 30 people were involved in stone pelting, resulting in minor injuries to five policemen. Tear gas shells were fired to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
Senior police officer Nidhin Valsan said that structures, including a banquet hall and a dispensary, built on the encroached land were demolished during the night operation to minimise inconvenience to the public. He added that the situation is now completely under control, and action will be taken against those involved in the violence.
Police teams are examining more than 100 video clips to identify the accused. A case will also be registered based on statements from injured police personnel and MCD workers.
Earlier, in December, the MCD had declared that all structures beyond 0.195 acres of land were unauthorised and liable to demolition, stating that no valid documents were produced to establish lawful ownership. The encroachments reportedly included parts of a road, footpath, parking area, a “baraat ghar”, and a private diagnostic centre.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has sought responses from the MCD, Delhi Development Authority, Ministry of Urban Development, PWD, and Delhi Waqf Board on a plea filed by the mosque’s managing committee challenging the demolition order. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 22.
