A municipal demolition drive in a congested area of central Delhi descended into chaos and violence on Wednesday, prompting police intervention. The operation, targeting illegal encroachments near the historic Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid at Turkman Gate, saw clashes between authorities and a section of the local crowd.
Court-Ordered Drive Sparks Confrontation
Officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) were acting on specific directives from the Delhi High Court when they moved in to clear unauthorized structures in the locality. The area, known for its narrow lanes and dense population, has been a focal point of previous encroachment removal efforts.
According to police statements, the situation escalated when some individuals present at the site began protesting the demolition. Some people resorted to stone pelting at the officials and police personnel deployed for security, triggering a sudden breakdown of order.
Police Response to Restore Order
Faced with the volatile situation and to prevent injuries or further escalation, the police were compelled to take action. Law enforcement officials used tear gas shells to disperse the agitated crowd and bring the situation under control. The use of non-lethal force was described as a measure to protect public property and ensure the safety of all involved.
The police confirmed that the confrontation was intense but brief. Their prompt action ensured that the demolition work, mandated by the court, could proceed and that the immediate threat to public order was neutralized.
Swift Return to Normalcy
Following the police intervention, the tension in the area subsided quickly. Authorities have stated that normalcy was restored shortly after the incident. The MCD team completed its scheduled anti-encroachment activities in the vicinity without further major interruptions.
The incident, which occurred on January 7, 2026, highlights the challenges faced by civic bodies in implementing court orders in sensitive and densely populated urban zones. Visuals from the morning after the drive, shared by news agencies, showed the cleared site near the mosque, with civic workers continuing their clean-up operations.
While the police have classified the event as an isolated law-and-order issue during a lawful drive, it underscores the delicate balance between urban governance, judicial mandates, and community response in Delhi's old city areas.
