The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) resumed its demolition drive near the historic Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in Turkman Gate on Thursday, marking a tense continuation of an anti-encroachment operation that began earlier this month. The area remained under a heavy security blanket as authorities pressed forward with the court-ordered action.
Police Crackdown and Identifications
In a significant development, Delhi Police have identified 30 individuals allegedly involved in the stone-pelting incident that disrupted the initial demolition drive on January 6. The violence resulted in injuries to five police personnel. Law enforcement officials stated that the identifications were made through meticulous analysis of CCTV footage and viral videos from the scene. Police teams are now conducting raids across the city to apprehend the accused.
Furthermore, the investigation is set to widen its scope. Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi is likely to be summoned for questioning. Police sources indicate that despite repeated requests from senior officers to leave the area, the MP remained present at the site in the moments leading up to the violence.
Court-Directed Demolition and Arrests
The contested demolition is being carried out under directives from the Delhi High Court. The targeted area is near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, close to Ramlila Maidan. Authorities emphasized that several coordination meetings were held beforehand with the Aman Committee and local stakeholders to ensure a peaceful process and prevent any untoward incidents.
So far, Delhi Police have arrested five people directly in connection with the stone-pelting. The arrested individuals have been named as Kashif, Mohd Kaif, Mohd Areeb, Adnan, and Sameer. They were presented in court and remanded to one-day judicial custody.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Hearings
Advocates representing the accused confirmed the judicial custody order and revealed that bail applications have been promptly filed. Delhi advocate M. Asad Beig, representing three of the accused, stated, "After the judge's order, we were given a copy of the FIR. We have subsequently filed a bail application. The bail application will be heard tomorrow in Tis Hazari Court." Another lawyer, Mohd Akif, representing accused Sameer, echoed this, confirming the one-day custody and receipt of the FIR copy.
The situation remains fluid, with the resumed demolition drive, ongoing police investigations, and impending court hearings keeping the spotlight firmly on the Turkman Gate area. The coming days are crucial for both the legal outcomes for those arrested and the continuation of the MCD's anti-encroachment action.
