A pre-dawn anti-encroachment operation near a historic mosque in central Delhi turned violent on Wednesday, resulting in injuries to at least five police personnel. The incident occurred when unidentified individuals hurled stones at police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) workers who were carrying out a demolition drive at Ramlila Ground near Turkman Gate.
Court-Ordered Demolition Sparks Clash
The drive was conducted following a directive from the Delhi High Court to clear illegal structures spread over nearly 39,000 square feet of land. Authorities arrived with a significant force, including 30 bulldozers and 50 dump trucks, around 1 AM. The target was encroachments adjoining the Syed Faiz mosque and a graveyard.
"The action started around 1 AM. MCD conducted demolition as per the High Court's orders on the land that was encroached upon. Stones were pelted at the Police at night. We used minimal force to push back," said DCP Nidhin Valsan in a statement to ANI. He confirmed that four to five officers suffered minor injuries and that legal action would follow once CCTV and body camera footage is examined.
Misinformation and Tense Scenes
According to local accounts, the tension was fueled by misinformation. An auto-rickshaw driver told PTI that rumours had spread on Tuesday suggesting the mosque itself would be demolished. "In reality, only illegal constructions like shops and other structures were removed," he clarified. During the operation, residents were seen shouting from rooftops, with some waving handkerchiefs. Children were later spotted collecting broken rods and wires from the debris.
Despite the unrest, authorities managed to demolish a dispensary and a banquet hall. Ten accused have been detained so far, and an FIR has been registered against unidentified persons. The area remains heavily barricaded, with civilian entry restricted and most local shops closed as a precaution.
Legal Dispute Over Land Ownership
The demolition stems from a complex legal dispute. Last November, the High Court ordered the removal of encroachments. The mosque committee challenged this, arguing the land is a notified Waqf property and that only the Waqf Tribunal has jurisdiction. They stated they have no objection to removing encroachments and have regularly paid lease rent for the 0.195 acres on which the mosque stands.
However, the MCD contended that the 1940 lease only covers the mosque plot and not the adjoining land where the illegal structures stood. Last month, citing the court order, the MCD announced it would demolish all structures beyond the leased 0.195 acres, as no documentary proof of lawful possession was provided for the remaining land.
Senior police official Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, stated the situation was brought under control with "measured and minimal use of force." The investigation is ongoing, with officials examining social media videos and recording witness statements.
