A pre-dawn demolition drive by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque in Turkman Gate, Old Delhi, on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, turned violent, resulting in five police personnel being injured and several people detained. The operation was conducted under the direction of the Delhi High Court to remove unauthorised encroachments on land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard.
The action began around 1 a.m., with a heavy deployment of 32 JCB machines, bulldozers, and excavators, supported by police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF). The demolition targeted structures identified as illegal encroachments, covering an area of nearly 38,900 square feet, based on surveys conducted by civic and urban development authorities.
As MCD teams began clearing the structures, a group of 25–30 people resisted, throwing stones and glass bottles at the security personnel. Police responded with tear gas and measured force to disperse the crowd, while ensuring the demolition continued safely. Despite the clashes, officials confirmed that the mosque itself was not damaged, and the operation focused strictly on unauthorised buildings, including a banquet hall, dispensary, and other extensions beyond the legally recognised boundaries.
Following the unrest, Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unknown persons for rioting and obstructing public servants. Several individuals have been detained for questioning, and CCTV and mobile footage are being reviewed to identify others involved in the violence. Law enforcement also continues to monitor the area to maintain peace.
Authorities emphasised that the drive was a legal exercise under court orders, aimed at clearing encroachments in a sensitive, densely populated part of the city. Residents expressed mixed reactions, with some raising concerns about the timing and manner of the operation, while others supported removing unauthorised structures. Traffic restrictions were imposed in nearby areas including Ajmeri Gate, JLN Marg, and Minto Road during the operation.
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