Ten Detained After Stone-Pelting During Anti-Encroachment Drive In Old Delhi

At least ten people have been taken into custody after Delhi Police registered an FIR in connection with a stone-pelting incident that broke out during a demolition exercise near a mosque in Old Delhi, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The clash occurred in the vicinity of the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque at Turkman Gate. The area lies close to Ramlila Ground. Authorities carried out a late-night operation there to remove encroachments.

Officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi said the action aimed to clear unauthorised constructions. The land lies adjoining the mosque and the surrounding areas. The move followed directions issued by the Delhi High Court on November 12, 2025.

The demolition drive commenced in the early hours of Wednesday under tight security arrangements. Civic officials said a large contingent of police personnel was deployed and between 10 and 17 bulldozers were used during the operation.

As the exercise progressed, residents from nearby localities gathered outside the mosque. They voiced opposition to the demolition. The crowd raised slogans against the authorities.

Tensions escalated when a section of the crowd allegedly tried to cross police barricades and began throwing stones at security forces.

Police Response and Legal Action

Police responded by using tear gas to disperse the gathering and prevent the situation from spiralling further.

An FIR has been lodged under sections pertaining to rioting, assault on public servants and obstructing government officials while discharging their duties.

Police officials said ten individuals have been identified and detained so far, while efforts are ongoing to trace others involved in the incident.

Further information is awaited as the investigation continues.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Delhi High Court took up a plea filed by the managing committee of Masjid Syed Elahi. The court issued notice in the matter.

The petition questions the MCD’s plan to clear land next to the mosque. It also challenges the removal of an adjoining graveyard at Ramlila Maidan, which the civic body has identified as encroached.

Civic authorities have reiterated that the demolition was carried out strictly in accordance with court orders relating to unauthorised structures.