Violence broke out in parts of Old Delhi after a court-mandated anti-encroachment drive near Turkman Gate triggered clashes between local residents and security personnel. What began as a late-night demolition operation quickly escalated into stone-pelting, injuries and widespread tension, prompting swift police action and political reactions.
The incident has drawn significant attention due to allegations that a sitting Member of Parliament was present at the site and may have played a role in provoking the crowd. Authorities have since launched a detailed investigation, stressing that the demolition was carried out strictly under judicial orders and that no religious structure was damaged during the process.
As normalcy gradually returns to the area, the focus has shifted to accountability, the role of misinformation, and the challenges of enforcing court directives in densely populated and historically sensitive localities like Old Delhi.
Violence During Court-Ordered Demolition Drive
The unrest erupted during a demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi on land adjoining the Syed Faiz Elahi mosque and a nearby graveyard at Turkman Gate. The operation was initiated following a High Court directive to remove long-standing encroachments from public land in the area.
As bulldozers moved in during the early hours, a section of locals allegedly resorted to violence, throwing stones and glass bottles at police personnel deployed to maintain law and order. Five police officers sustained injuries in the clashes, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation.
Authorities maintained that the demolition targeted only illegal structures such as portions of roads, footpaths, parking spaces, a community hall and a private diagnostic centre, and not the mosque itself.
Arrests Made, Probe Into Larger Conspiracy
Delhi Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals in connection with the violence, stating that the investigation remains ongoing and may uncover a larger conspiracy behind the unrest. Officials reiterated that strict action would be taken against anyone found to have instigated or participated in the violence.
During the investigation, police revealed that Samajwadi Party MP Mohibullah Nadvi was present at the spot at the time of the demolition. Investigators are examining allegations that his presence and actions may have contributed to the crowd being provoked.
Senior police officers stressed that the law would take its course irrespective of political affiliation, and that no individual would be spared if evidence supported allegations of incitement.
Identification of Accused and Role of Social Media
Police identified several individuals allegedly involved in stone-pelting and attacks on security personnel. According to investigators, some accused were directly involved in physical violence, while others played a role in amplifying tensions through digital platforms.
Authorities stated that certain individuals created and circulated videos and audio messages on social media and messaging applications. These messages allegedly spread rumours and urged people to gather at the demolition site, intensifying the situation.
The police have since begun scrutinising viral content, tracing its origins and assessing whether it violated laws related to public order, misinformation and communal harmony.
High Court Order and Background of the Demolition
The demolition drive was conducted in compliance with a High Court order issued in November 2025. The court had granted the civic authorities and the Public Works Department three months to clear nearly 39,000 square feet of encroachments near the Ramlila Ground at Turkman Gate.
Officials stated that many of the structures removed were over a century old but had been declared illegal under existing laws. Notices were served in advance, and officials visited the site days before the operation to demarcate encroached areas.
Despite these steps, resistance from locals was reported during earlier visits, prompting authorities to deploy a heavy police presence during the final demolition.
Clarification on Mosque Safety
Amid widespread claims circulating online, civic officials categorically clarified that the Syed Faiz Elahi mosque was not touched or damaged during the demolition. The clarification was aimed at countering rumours that fuelled anger and fear among residents.
Police sources stated that several viral posts falsely claimed that the mosque was being demolished, using emotionally charged language and religious appeals to mobilise people.
Authorities emphasised that misinformation played a significant role in escalating tensions and that action would be taken against those responsible for spreading false narratives.
Political Reactions and Law Enforcement Stand
Political reactions followed soon after the incident, with leaders asserting that the demolition was a lawful exercise carried out under judicial supervision. Officials reiterated that enforcing court orders is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies.
Delhi government representatives maintained that the operation was not targeted at any community but was solely aimed at clearing illegal encroachments from public land.
The police also confirmed that initial detentions were made to cross-check identities with CCTV footage and gather further evidence.
Massive Security Deployment at Turkman Gate
To ensure the smooth execution of the operation, more than 300 municipal workers and officials were deployed at the site. Around 30 bulldozers and 50 dumpers were used to clear debris and remove unauthorised structures.
The demolition continued through the night under tight security arrangements, reflecting the scale and sensitivity of the operation in the congested Old Delhi area.
Officials stated that the drive successfully cleared a large encroached stretch, restoring access to public spaces that had been illegally occupied for decades.
Current Situation and Ongoing Investigation
Following the clashes, police maintained heightened vigilance in and around Turkman Gate as a precautionary measure. Senior officers stated that the situation was under control and that normalcy had largely been restored.
Investigators continue to examine inflammatory videos, social media posts and communication trails linked to the incident. Authorities aim to establish accountability and prevent similar incidents in future enforcement drives.
The case has once again highlighted the complex challenges of urban governance, misinformation and crowd control in densely populated historic areas, where legal action often intersects with deep-rooted social sensitivities.
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