By: The Trek News Desk
Tension flared up in Old Delhi’s Turkman Gate area on Wednesday after a court-ordered anti-encroachment drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque turned violent, leaving several police personnel injured. Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood condemned the incident, stating firmly that any attempt to disrupt lawful government action through violence would not be tolerated.
The incident occurred when teams from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), accompanied by police forces, were removing illegal structures from land adjacent to the mosque and a nearby graveyard, as per the court’s directions. During the operation, a group of individuals allegedly resorted to stone pelting and hurled glass bottles at the police, resulting in injuries to at least five personnel.
Police officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered in connection with the violence, and five people have been detained so far for questioning.
Reacting to the incident, Home Minister Ashish Sood said that several unauthorised commercial establishments had been constructed in the area surrounding the mosque. Action against these structures, he clarified, was strictly in line with judicial orders. “There is no arbitrariness or ill intent in this drive. Obstructing legal action and indulging in violence is completely unacceptable,” he said.
The minister further alleged that certain criminal and disruptive elements deliberately attempted to incite unrest. “Those responsible have been identified, and strict legal action is being taken. Five individuals have already been apprehended,” he added.
Assuring residents and members of the community, Mr Sood emphasised that the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque remained completely unharmed during the operation. He urged people not to fall prey to rumours or provocation and appealed for calm and cooperation to maintain peace and communal harmony.
Meanwhile, MCD Deputy Commissioner Vivek Kumar stated that the demolition drive was conducted in full compliance with High Court orders. He said approximately 36,000 square feet of encroached land was cleared during the operation. The structures removed included a diagnostic centre, a marriage hall and two double-storey boundary walls.
Mr Kumar added that the demolition work continued through the night, and a significant amount of debris remains at the site. “The debris, equivalent to around 200 to 250 truckloads, will be cleared as part of the ongoing clean-up process,” he said.
The administration has once again appealed to citizens to support lawful action and assist authorities in identifying anti-social elements, warning that strict measures will be taken against anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands.
Source: News Agencies
