Delhi Demolition Near Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque: Five Policemen Injured After Stone-Pelting

A pre-dawn demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in Old Delhi’s Turkman Gate area briefly turned tense after stones were allegedly thrown at police personnel overseeing the operation, leaving five policemen with minor injuries. The demolition, carried out following a court order, was aimed at clearing long-standing illegal encroachments around the century-old mosque complex.

According to officials on the ground, the operation was launched late at night under heavy security cover to prevent disruption and ensure compliance with judicial directions. However, as demolition work progressed, a crowd of around 150 people gathered near the site. The situation escalated when some individuals from the crowd allegedly attempted to obstruct the drive and began pelting stones at the police force deployed for security.

Police responded by using tear gas shells to disperse the gathering and prevent further escalation. Senior officers said the use of force was limited and proportionate, and the situation was brought under control within a short span of time. No civilians were reported injured during the incident.

An official overseeing the operation said that five policemen sustained minor injuries during the stone-pelting. “They are fine now. Once we receive their medical documents, appropriate legal proceedings will be initiated based on the injuries and evidence available,” the officer said, adding that action would be taken against those responsible for the violence.

The demolition drive was extensive in scale. Officials confirmed that more than 17 JCB machines and bulldozers were actively involved, while approximately 30 bulldozers and nearly 50 dumpers were stationed in and around the area to clear debris swiftly. The operation resulted in the removal of several unauthorised structures, including a bank hall and a private clinic, which authorities said were built on encroached public land.

Delhi Police have begun scrutinising CCTV footage from nearby installations as well as body camera recordings worn by personnel during the operation to identify those involved in the stone-pelting. An FIR is in the process of being registered in connection with the violence and injuries sustained by police officers.

To prevent any further unrest, paramilitary forces have been deployed across a wide stretch, from Ramlila Ground up to the mosque area. Officials said the additional deployment was a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and ensure that demolition work could be completed without further disruption.

Authorities maintained that the demolition was conducted strictly in accordance with court directives and due process. They reiterated that encroachments in the area had been flagged earlier and that adequate notices had been issued before the action was taken.

While the area remains under heightened security, police said normalcy has been restored and the situation is under control. Officials also appealed to the public to maintain calm and cooperate with authorities as legal action proceeds against those found responsible for disrupting the operation.