A court-ordered demolition drive in the heart of Delhi descended into chaos and violence in the early hours of Wednesday, leaving several police personnel injured after locals resorted to stone-pelting. The operation, carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near the historic Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque, began around 1 am and quickly spiralled out of control, forcing a significant police intervention.
Night of Bulldozers and Stones
The demolition targeted illegal constructions, specifically a dispensary and a community hall adjoining the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area, as mandated by the Delhi High Court. Authorities had deployed a massive contingent of around 17 bulldozers for the task. Anticipating resistance, police had also intensified security in the vicinity.
However, as the bulldozers moved in under the cover of darkness, the situation turned explosive. Locals and miscreants allegedly began pelting stones at the police and civic teams. The attack resulted in injuries to at least four to five police officers, who were on duty to provide security cover for the MCD staff.
Police Response and Investigation
Special Commissioner of Police Ravindra Yadav stated that the police used minimal force to push back the stone-pelting elements, emphasizing that their actions were strictly to maintain law and order. DCP (Central) Nidhin Valsan clarified that the police presence was solely to ensure the safety of the civic staff and prevent an escalation of violence.
In the aftermath, the Delhi Police have registered an FIR against unidentified individuals involved in the attack. Law enforcement officials confirmed that around 10 people have been detained for questioning, and four to five suspects have already been identified through preliminary investigations.
Digital Evidence to Aid Probe
Investigators are now scouring multiple sources of digital evidence to pinpoint responsibility. CCTV footage from the area, ground visuals, and body-camera recordings worn by police officers are being meticulously examined. Officials have asserted that this digital evidence will play a pivotal role in identifying and arresting all those responsible for the violence against the police personnel.
With calm restored to the area by dawn, the focus has shifted to a thorough investigation. Police have indicated that further arrests are likely once the verification of evidence is complete. The incident underscores the tensions that often surround urban demolition drives in densely populated areas, even when they are conducted under judicial orders.
