Demolition Drive Resumes Near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid Amid Heavy Security
The demolition drive near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in Delhi’s Turkman Gate area resumed on Thursday under tight security, days after violence broke out during an earlier anti-encroachment operation. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi had first carried out the drive on January 6, which later turned tense due to stone-pelting incidents that injured several police personnel.
As authorities returned to the site, the area witnessed heavy deployment of Delhi Police to prevent any further disturbances and ensure the demolition work continued smoothly.
What Triggered the Renewed Police Action
Stone-Pelting During Earlier Demolition Drive
The trouble began during the initial anti-encroachment drive conducted by the MCD near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, close to Ramlila Maidan. During the operation, a group of people allegedly resorted to stone-pelting, leading to injuries to five Delhi Police personnel.
The violence forced authorities to reassess security arrangements and temporarily pause the demolition work.
Demolition Carried Out Under Court Orders
Delhi Police clarified that the demolition drive was conducted in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court. Officials stated that the operation was not sudden and had followed multiple coordination meetings with the Aman Committee and other local stakeholders to maintain peace in the area.
Despite these efforts, the situation escalated during the early hours of January 7, resulting in clashes.
30 People Identified Using CCTV and Viral Videos
Police Rely on Video Evidence
Delhi Police have now identified 30 individuals allegedly involved in the stone-pelting incident. According to officials, CCTV footage from the area and videos that surfaced on social media played a crucial role in identifying the suspects.
Senior police officers said that the visuals clearly showed individuals throwing stones and obstructing police personnel during the demolition drive.
Raids Underway to Arrest Accused
Police teams have launched raids at multiple locations to take the identified individuals into custody. Officials said the operation is ongoing and more arrests are likely in the coming days.
The police have made it clear that strict action will be taken against those responsible for violence against law enforcement personnel.
Five Arrested So Far in Stone-Pelting Case
Names of the Arrested Individuals
So far, Delhi Police have arrested five people in connection with the violence. The arrested individuals have been identified as Kashif, Mohd Kaif, Mohd Areeb, Adnan, and Sameer.
Police sources said these individuals were actively involved in the stone-pelting that erupted during the demolition drive.
Accused Sent to Judicial Custody
The accused were produced before a court, which granted one-day judicial custody. Their lawyers confirmed that copies of the First Information Report were provided to the defence after the court order.
Legal proceedings are now underway as the investigation continues.
Bail Pleas Filed, Hearings Scheduled
Defence Lawyers Seek Bail
Bail applications have been filed on behalf of the arrested individuals. Delhi advocate M. Asad Beig, who represents Kashif, Mohd Kaif, and Mohd Areeb, said the court granted one-day judicial custody and scheduled the bail hearing for Thursday at Tis Hazari Court.
According to him, the defence received copies of the FIR after the judge’s order and promptly moved the bail plea.
Similar Stand Taken by Other Defence Counsel
Another advocate, Mohd Akif, who represents accused Sameer, confirmed that the court allowed one-day judicial custody and that the defence would decide on further legal steps after reviewing the FIR.
The bail hearings are expected to draw attention as the case involves public order, demolition drives, and violence against police.
Police to Summon Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi
MP’s Presence Before Violence Raises Questions
In a related development, Delhi Police are planning to summon Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi to join the investigation. According to police officials, the MP was present at the demolition site shortly before the violence broke out.
Senior police officers reportedly requested him multiple times to leave the area to prevent tensions from escalating. However, he remained in the vicinity, which police believe may have influenced the situation on the ground.
Police Clarify He Is Being Summoned, Not Accused
Police sources clarified that the MP is being summoned to record his statement and not as an accused at this stage. Officials said they want to understand the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding his presence at the site.
The move has added a political dimension to the case, drawing wider attention to the incident.
Heavy Police Deployment to Prevent Fresh Unrest
Security Tightened in Turkman Gate Area
As the demolition drive resumed, a large contingent of Delhi Police and paramilitary forces was deployed in and around Turkman Gate. Barricades were set up, and entry points were closely monitored to prevent gatherings and ensure law and order.
Police officials said the presence of security forces was necessary given the tension witnessed earlier and the sensitive nature of the area.
Authorities Aim to Complete Demolition Peacefully
Officials stressed that the goal is to carry out the demolition work peacefully and in accordance with court orders. Police are maintaining close coordination with civic authorities to avoid any repeat of violence.
Local residents have been advised to cooperate with officials and avoid spreading rumours or misinformation.
Background: Anti-Encroachment Drive Explained
Why the Demolition Was Ordered
The demolition drive near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid was carried out as part of an anti-encroachment campaign following directions from the Delhi High Court. Authorities said the structures targeted were illegal encroachments on public land.
Such drives are often conducted across the city to clear public spaces, though they frequently face resistance from locals.
Advance Meetings Held to Maintain Peace
Delhi Police said multiple meetings were held with members of the Aman Committee and local stakeholders ahead of the operation. The aim was to explain the process, address concerns, and prevent misunderstandings.
Despite these efforts, the situation turned violent during the initial phase of the drive.
Broader Concerns Over Law and Order
Violence Against Police Draws Strong Response
The injury to five police personnel during the stone-pelting incident has drawn strong reactions from law enforcement agencies. Senior officials said attacks on police during official duties will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The identification of 30 suspects and ongoing raids signal a firm approach by the authorities.
Calls for Calm and Cooperation
Police and civic officials have urged residents to maintain peace and cooperate with lawful orders. They have also warned against taking the law into one’s own hands or attempting to disrupt government operations.
What Lies Ahead
More Arrests Likely
With 30 individuals already identified, police sources indicated that more arrests are likely in the coming days. The investigation will continue to rely on video evidence, witness statements, and forensic analysis if required.
Court Proceedings to Shape the Case
The upcoming bail hearings and further court proceedings will play a key role in determining the legal course of the case. The outcome may also influence how similar demolition drives are handled in the future.
The resumption of the demolition drive near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid marks a critical moment in an operation that has already seen violence, injuries, and political attention. As Delhi Police move swiftly to identify and arrest those involved in stone-pelting, the focus remains on maintaining law and order and completing the drive peacefully.
With heavy security on the ground and legal proceedings underway, the situation at Turkman Gate continues to evolve, keeping both authorities and residents on high alert.
