A significant uproar was witnessed late Tuesday night during the demolition drive targeting illegal structures near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in Delhi's Turkman Gate area. The operation commenced around 2 AM, involving over 30 bulldozers and a heavy contingent of police forces. The objective of this anti-encroachment drive was to remove structures like a 'dawaghar' (dispensary) and a 'baraat ghar' (community hall) that had been declared illegal by the Delhi High Court.
Commencement of the Demolition Drive
Late on Tuesday night, around 1 AM, Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) personnel, accompanied by a substantial police force, gathered near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area, while the demolition of the illegal structures began around 2 AM. The MCD team arrived with more than 30 bulldozers and initiated the encroachment removal process. Prior to the operation, local residents were given time to remove their belongings, and the police had issued a traffic advisory during the night, leading to the complete closure of certain roads to facilitate the smooth execution of the drive.
Violent Resistance and Stone-Pelting
As soon as the anti-encroachment drive began, a group of miscreants gathered and started chanting slogans. Amidst the slogans, these individuals began pelting stones at the MCD team and the police personnel. This sudden assault created a tense situation. The police immediately retaliated by firing tear gas shells to disperse the rioters. Some of the rioters threw these tear gas shells back at the police, but the police didn't retreat and managed to drive away those involved in the stone-pelting. More than 6 police personnel sustained injuries in this incident, including SHO Mahavir Prasad of Chandni Mahal police station, who was seriously wounded.
Delhi High Court's Mandate on Illegal Structures
The entire operation was based on an order from the Delhi High Court, which had declared the 'dawaghar' and 'baraat ghar' adjacent to the mosque as illegal, while these structures had been a subject of dispute for a long time, and the legal process was followed to ensure their removal. MCD officials stated that these encroachments were on public land, making their removal imperative for urban planning and public safety.
Overnight Operation and Clearance Status
Despite the stone-pelting and sloganeering, over 30 bulldozers continued their work throughout the night. As part of this extensive campaign, approximately 36,000 square feet of encroachment has been cleared so far. According to officials, more than 20 percent of the encroachment still remains and will be removed soon, while the overnight demolition has resulted in the accumulation of over 200 trucks of debris in the area. Officials estimate that it will take at least four more days to clear this debris, while mCD officials have clarified that the operation will continue until all encroachments are completely removed.
Police Action and Detentions
Following the stone-pelting incident, the Delhi Police promptly took action, detaining 10 individuals who were involved in the violence. The police used tear gas shells to disperse the rioters and deployed additional forces to bring the situation under control. Police officials have made it clear that no person involved in the stone-pelting will be spared, and strict legal action will be taken against them.
Identification of Perpetrators and FIR Preparation
The Delhi Police has initiated preparations to identify the culprits involved in the stone-pelting incident. The body camera footage from the police personnel on duty, along with recordings from nearby CCTV cameras, will be used to identify the rioters. Given that several police personnel, including SHO Mahavir Prasad of Chandni Mahal police station, were injured, the Delhi Police will soon register an FIR in connection with the stone-pelting incident outside the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque. The DCP has confirmed that those who pelted stones are being identified, and an FIR will be registered against them.
Official Statements from MCD and Police
Prior to the demolition drive, the Delhi Police had requested security from various agencies well in advance. Following this, the Delhi Police had conducted several rounds of meetings with local residents to ensure a peaceful operation. However, the stone-pelting incident that occurred despite these efforts has surprised the police. The area was divided into different zones to monitor the situation effectively, with 9 DSP-rank officers assigned responsibility for these zones. Adequate police force was deployed at all sensitive points. Heavy police forces from nearby police stations and paramilitary forces were also deployed on site to handle any emergency situation that might arise.
Statements from the Delhi Police have emerged regarding the disturbance during the illegal structure removal. The DCP informed that roads would be reopened by 10 AM, and a heavy police presence would remain in the area. He stated that the action was taken at the request of the MCD. MCD officials have reiterated that the operation will continue until completion. Once the demolition is finished, the mosque committee will be asked to construct a wall on their legitimate land, and the remaining land will be taken over by the MCD. The identification of rioters through police body cameras will lead to strict action against them.
Future Course of Action and Efforts for Peace Restoration
Authorities have stated that the encroachment removal work will continue until the entire area is cleared. Subsequently, the mosque committee will be instructed to build a wall on their legitimate land, and the remaining land will come under the control of the MCD. The police and administration are continuously monitoring the area to maintain peace and order, and they remain fully vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents. Efforts are being made to engage with community leaders to ensure calm and. Cooperation as the remaining phases of the demolition and clearance are carried out.
