Five Held Following Stone-Pelting During Demolition Drive Near Delhi Mosque

Delhi Police have arrested five people in connection with stone-pelting during a demolition drive conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in the Turkman Gate area, officials said on Wednesday.

Police said the incident occurred when MCD teams, accompanied by police personnel, began removing illegal encroachments in compliance with a court order. As the operation got underway, a group of people allegedly resorted to stone-pelting, injuring five police personnel. The injuries were described as minor.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan said around 150 people gathered at the site after the demolition began. “We had informed residents about the court order. While most people were advised to leave, around 25–30 individuals started pelting stones at police personnel. We had to use force to disperse them before resuming the demolition,” he said.

Several videos of the incident later surfaced on social media. Police said they are examining CCTV footage, drone visuals and online videos to identify those involved and ascertain individual roles. An FIR has been registered, and five people from the Chandni Mahal area have been arrested in connection with the violence, the DCP said, adding that further action would follow based on the investigation.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said the demolition drive was carried out strictly in accordance with court directions and legal procedure.

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain condemned the stone-pelting, calling it unfortunate and unacceptable, while reiterating that action against illegal structures would continue as per the law.