New Delhi: At least five police personnel were injured during a pre-dawn demolition drive in central Delhi on Wednesday after locals and miscreants pelted stones at the security team, officials said.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was carrying out the exercise around the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area in compliance with an order of the Delhi High Court. Police said an FIR has been registered against unidentified persons, and around 10 individuals have been detained for questioning so far.
Investigators are scanning CCTV footage, ground visuals and body-camera recordings to identify those involved. While the case has been filed against unknown persons, officials said four to five suspects have already been identified and further legal action will follow.
Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Ravindra Yadav said the operation began around 1 am. “The MCD carried out the demolition as per the High Court’s directions on encroached land. Stones were pelted at the police during the night, and we used minimal force to push back,” he said.
DCP (Central) Nidhin Valsan said security arrangements were in place throughout the operation. “Four to five officers suffered minor injuries. Once we complete analysis of CCTV, ground and body-camera footage, we will identify the miscreants and take legal action,” he added.
The drive involved around 17 bulldozers and targeted illegal structures, including a dispensary and a community hall adjoining the mosque, which the court had declared unauthorised and ordered removed. The administration appealed to local residents to maintain peace.
Anticipating disruptions, the Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory warning of congestion on several arterial roads. Traffic around Ramlila Maidan and surrounding areas is expected to remain affected through the day.
