Picture Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap/The Hindu
Tensions flared briefly in parts of Old Delhi early on Wednesday following a pre-dawn operation to dismantle alleged illegal encroachments near a mosque, officials said.
The action led to protests, stone throwing, and police intervention in the area.
Authorities said calm was restored after police used tear gas and reinforced the area with additional security personnel.
The incident took place near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate locality, close to Ramlila Ground. Civic authorities carried out a late-night drive against unauthorised structures in the area.
Officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) stated that the operation targeted constructions on land adjoining the mosque and surrounding areas. They said the action was carried out in accordance with orders issued by the Delhi High Court.
The removal exercise commenced in the early hours of Wednesday. It was carried out under tight security, with a large deployment of civic workers and police.
Officials said that around 10 to 17 bulldozers were used during the drive. They added that the operation forms part of the MCD’s broader campaign to clear encroachments across the capital.
Soon after the operation began, many local residents assembled outside the mosque, chanting slogans and expressing their opposition to the demolition.
The situation escalated when some protesters allegedly tried to cross police barricades and resorted to stone pelting.
In response, police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation.
Senior police officers said forces had been positioned in advance, anticipating possible resistance, and that the disturbance was quickly contained.
No serious injuries were reported, though security arrangements were intensified as a precaution.
Legal Context and Court Proceedings
Officials confirmed that the demolition continued despite pending legal proceedings linked to the site.
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court issued a notice on a plea filed by the managing committee of Masjid Syed Elahi. The plea contests the MCD’s move to remove what it describes as alleged encroachments. The land in question lies next to the mosque and an adjoining graveyard at Ramlila Maidan.
Civic authorities maintained that their action complied with court directions relating to unauthorised constructions.
Residents of the area criticised the drive, claiming it was carried out without sufficient dialogue and would negatively affect the local community.
MCD officials, however, reiterated that the operation was legally valid and intended to recover public land.
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