Delhi Mosque Area Sees Anti-Encroachment Demolition Turn Violent; 5 Cops Hurt

Tear Gas, Stone-Pelting as Anti-Encroachment Drive Near Delhi Mosque Leaves 5 Cops Injured.

A late-night anti-encroachment operation around the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque near Ramlila Ground, Turkman Gate, Delhi, turned tense on Wednesday, with crowds resorting to stone pelting and sloganeering. The demolition involved 17 bulldozers and targeted illegal structures, including a banquet hall and dispensary.

At least five police officers sustained minor injuries. An FIR has been filed, and five people have been detained, with police using bodycam and CCTV footage to identify other participants.

As demolition began, protesters tried to breach barricades, prompting authorities to use tear gas and mild force. Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams secured the inner lanes, while drone surveillance monitored the operation.

DCP Nidhin Valsan said, “About 25-30 people pelted stones at police. The drive was conducted at night to avoid inconvenience. The situation is fully under control.” Joint Commissioner Madhur Verma added that the demolition followed court orders, and most of the troublemakers were outsiders who will not be spared.