A late-night demolition drive by civic authorities in central Delhi turned violent in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in injuries to five police personnel and the detention of at least ten individuals. The incident occurred in the Turkman Gate area near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque.
Court-Ordered Demolition Sparks Tension
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) teams, accompanied by a heavy police contingent, moved in to remove illegal structures around 1 am on January 7, 2026. The action was being carried out following specific orders from the Delhi High Court. Officials stated that the operation was part of a routine anti-encroachment effort to clear public land.
However, the situation quickly escalated as a group of individuals allegedly began pelting stones at the police and civic officials present at the site. The police confirmed that five officers sustained minor injuries in the stone-pelting incident. In response, the police used what they described as "minimal force" to bring the situation under control and ensure the demolition could proceed.
Police Response and Investigation Underway
The Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified persons for the violence. Approximately ten people were detained on the spot for questioning in connection with the incident. Law enforcement officials revealed that four to five suspects have already been identified based on preliminary evidence.
A multi-faceted investigation has been launched to pinpoint all those responsible. Authorities are meticulously reviewing several sources of evidence, including:
- CCTV footage from cameras in the vicinity.
- Ground visuals captured by officials.
- Body-camera recordings from police personnel deployed during the operation.
Aftermath and Appeals for Calm
Following the clash, senior police and administrative officials appealed to the public and local communities to maintain peace and calm. Authorities emphasized that the drive was a lawful action mandated by the court and urged against any form of misinformation or provocation.
As a precautionary measure and due to the ongoing police presence, traffic advisories were issued for the Turkman Gate and surrounding areas in central Delhi. Commuters were warned to expect congestion and were advised to seek alternative routes where possible.
The incident highlights the recurring tensions that can accompany anti-encroachment drives in densely populated urban areas, where the removal of structures often intersects with community sensitivities, especially when religious sites are nearby. The police investigation continues to develop as more evidence is gathered.
