Delhi Demolition Drive: Tensions escalated in Delhi’s Turkman Gate area after authorities carried out a demolition drive against illegal encroachments. In the aftermath, the Delhi Police registered an FIR over a stone-pelting incident and detained around 10 people in connection with the unrest, officials said on Wednesday morning.
Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque: FIR registered against unknown persons
Police officials said security has been increased in the area near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque near Turkman Gate, where the MCD carried out an encroachment removal drive late last night. An FIR has been registered against unidentified individuals in connection with the stone-throwing incident. The stone-throwers are currently being identified using CCTV footage and body camera recordings.
Stone Pelting: Some people pelted stones
DCP Nidhin Valson told the media that local residents were interviewed during the operation. They were shown the Delhi High Court order, after which a large number of people dispersed. However, some returned and resorted to stone pelting.
MCD Encroachment Action: Around 85% of demolition work completed
Speaking to IANS about the bulldozer action, Deputy Commissioner Vivek Aggarwal said, “About 85 percent of the demolition work has been completed. A small structure remains. It could have been demolished at night, but a lot of debris had accumulated, preventing our machines from reaching the site. Once the debris is removed, the remaining structure will also be removed.”
Delhi News: Localites happy with the step
Meanwhile, regarding the late-night bulldozer action at Turkman Gate, a local shopkeeper said, “I’ve been working with coconuts at Dargah Faiz Ilahi for a long time. My wife and I sell coconut water. The government is doing a great job. Twenty to twenty-five rupees were taken from every wedding held here. This money didn’t go to the mosque, the madrasa, or the ashram. So where did it go? The government should find out where the money was going.”
Delhi Demolition Drive
Pursuant to the directions of the High Court of Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out a demolition drive at the encroached area in the vicinity of Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, near Ramlila Maidan, Delhi, in the early morning hours of January 7, 2025, according to an official statement from Delhi Police.
“To ensure smooth conduct of the demolition programme and to maintain public order, comprehensive law and order arrangements were put in place by the Delhi Police. The entire area was meticulously divided into nine zones, each placed under the supervision of an officer of the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. Adequate deployment of police force was made at all sensitive points,” the statement read.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the City S.P. Zone (CSPZ), Vivek Agarwal, said, “The action has been taken following the orders of the Court. The action was carried out overnight; the structure spanned 4,000 square metres, and 32 JCBs were used to demolish it. We will try to clear the demolition waste. No one was hurt during the stone pelting. The police worked very well and controlled the situation. Police officials said the situation in the area remains under control and adequate security arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth completion of the demolition drive. Meanwhile, authorities deployed approximately 17 bulldozers to remove the unauthorised structures in the area.
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