Five Police Personnel Injured as MCD Demolition Drive Turns Violent in Delhi
Late-Night Anti-Encroachment Drive Sparks Unrest
The MCD demolition drive Delhi violence shocked central Delhi after a late-night anti-encroachment operation near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque turned violent, leaving five Delhi Police personnel injured. The incident occurred in the Turkman Gate area near Ramlila Maidan during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.
Authorities Begin Drive at 1:30 AM
Officials launched the demolition drive at 1:30 AM, much earlier than usual, to prevent large gatherings and protests. Acting on directions from the Delhi High Court, the administration deployed 17 bulldozers along with a strong police force to maintain order during the operation.
MCD Targets Illegal Structures Near Mosque
The drive focused on removing illegally built structures, including a community hall, a dispensary, and several commercial establishments. These structures stood near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque and on land belonging to Ramlila Maidan. Civic officials said encroachers had misused public and municipal land for commercial activities.
Stone-Pelting Injures Police Officers
As soon as demolition began, local residents gathered at the site and protested. The situation escalated when some miscreants pelted stones at police personnel and municipal workers. The Delhi Police confirmed that five officers suffered minor injuries during the clash.
To regain control, police used teargas shells, which forced the crowd to disperse. Officers later restored normalcy in the area and shifted the injured policemen for medical treatment.
Police Tighten Security, Probe Begins
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan said around 100–150 people gathered when MCD machinery reached the spot. While police persuaded most people to leave, a small group attempted to create unrest and resorted to violence.
Police teams are now examining CCTV footage and will initiate legal action after completing medical reports and recording statements. Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor the area using drone cameras. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and additional police units remain deployed to prevent further disturbances.
Court Order and Survey Findings
The demolition followed a joint survey that identified illegal encroachment over 2,512 square feet of PWD land and 36,248 square feet of municipal land. The Delhi High Court has clearly ruled that authorities cannot use religious or cemetery land for commercial purposes, such as private banquet halls or clinics.
Officials stated that the administration carried out the drive strictly to enforce court orders and reclaim public land while maintaining law and order. Follow for more latest updates, FM News.
