Clashes Mar Demolition Drive in Old Delhi
A routine anti-encroachment drive by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) escalated into violent clashes early on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, near the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area of Old Delhi. The operation, aimed at clearing illegal structures, saw locals reportedly pelting stones and glass bottles at municipal officials and police personnel, resulting in injuries to at least five police officers.
The incident unfolded in the Ramlila Maidan area, where the MCD was executing a demolition order issued by the Delhi High Court on November 12, 2025. The court had directed the civic body to clear approximately 38,940 sq. ft. of encroachments.
Details of the Operation and Confrontation
The demolition drive commenced in the early hours of Wednesday, with a significant deployment of resources including:
- Over 300 MCD workers and officials
- Around 30 bulldozers
- Approximately 50 dumpers
According to officials, the encroachments targeted included portions of a road, a footpath, a community hall, a parking area, a private diagnostic centre, and a marriage hall. MCD Deputy Commissioner Vivek Kumar clarified that the mosque itself was not damaged during the operation.
As the drive progressed, a crowd of 100-150 local residents gathered, protesting the action. The situation quickly turned volatile as some individuals began throwing stones and glass bottles. Delhi Police Joint Commissioner Madhur Verma noted that some stone-pelters had deliberately concealed their identities with masks or cloth. Police responded by using tear gas shells and mild force to disperse the agitated crowd and restore order.
Investigation and Official Statements
Following the violence, the Delhi Police registered an FIR (First Information Report) under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, including charges related to rioting, assault on a public servant, and obstruction of government duty. Authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with the clashes, with some reports indicating up to ten detentions. Police are actively investigating whether the violence was a pre-planned attempt to disrupt the demolition drive, analyzing CCTV footage and social media content.
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood condemned the violence, stating that 'obstructing or disrupting work being carried out within the framework of law is completely unacceptable.' He also appealed to the public not to fall prey to provocations, emphasizing that the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque was safe and the action was limited to illegal commercial establishments. Samajwadi Party MP Mohibullah Nadvi was reportedly present at the site and is alleged to have incited the crowd, a claim under police investigation.
Security has been tightened in the Turkman Gate area, and officials have confirmed that the situation is now under control, with normalcy restored.
7 Comments
Mariposa
While illegal encroachments need to be addressed, authorities must also engage with communities to prevent such violent escalations. Force alone isn't a long-term solution.
Bella Ciao
Clearing public land is necessary for urban planning, but the timing and sensitivity around religious sites require extra caution. Both sides bear responsibility for the resulting chaos.
Comandante
Violence is wrong, but what pushed people to this point? There's always a deeper story.
Africa
Bulldozers aren't solutions. This will only deepen community resentment.
Bermudez
Law and order must prevail. Glad the MCD is finally clearing illegal structures.
Aidguy
Serving officers were injured? Unacceptable. Those rioters should face full consequences.
Eugene Alta
Targeting areas near religious sites often leads to unrest. Poor planning by the MCD.