At least five police personnel sustained injuries as an anti-encroachment operation near a mosque in Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan turned violent early Wednesday. Tensions escalated when Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials and workers attempted to carry out a demolition drive at land adjacent to the Syed Faiz Elahi mosque and graveyard at Turkman Gate, following orders from the Delhi High Court.
Around 300 officials and workers were involved in the operation when some residents reportedly began hurling stones at the teams. Police responded with tear gas to regain control of the situation. Senior officer Nidhin Valsan stated that approximately 25 to 30 people attacked police personnel, resulting in five officers sustaining minor injuries. “We had to use tear gas to control the situation. The drive included demolition of a banquet hall and a dispensary. It was conducted at night to ensure minimal inconvenience to the public,” he said.
Authorities have detained five individuals so far and are analyzing over 100 videos to identify others involved in the stone-pelting. A case has been registered based on statements provided by injured police personnel and MCD staff.
The MCD brought in around 30 bulldozers and 50 dump trucks to remove unauthorized structures from the area. This action was in line with a November 2025 Delhi High Court order, which granted three months to the civic body and the Public Works Department (PWD) to clear 38,940 square feet of encroachments near Ramlila Ground at Turkman Gate.
In December, the MCD clarified that all constructions beyond 0.195 acres, the actual footprint of the mosque, were unauthorized. No documentary evidence establishing ownership or lawful possession of the land had been submitted by the mosque’s managing committee or the Delhi Waqf Board. The 0.195-acre leased land houses the mosque itself.
The encroachments included parts of a road, a footpath, a “baraat ghar,” a parking area, and a private diagnostic center. Officials had previously attempted to mark the encroached area on January 4, but local protests forced them to increase police presence to ensure the operation could proceed.
The Delhi High Court intervened on Tuesday, issuing notices to the Ministry of Urban Development, MCD, Delhi Waqf Board, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), PWD, and the Land and Development Office (L&DO) regarding a plea challenging the demolition orders. Justice Amit Bansal stated that the matter required consideration and directed authorities to file their replies within four weeks. The court scheduled further hearings for April 22.
The managing committee of Masjid Syed Faiz Elahi has sought the cancellation of the MCD order, claiming that the property in question falls under their use and that lease rent is being paid to the Waqf Board. The plea argued that the land is notified as Waqf property under the Waqf Act and falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Waqf Tribunal.
The committee clarified that it had no objection to removal of encroachments, and that the “baraat ghar” and clinic had already ceased operations. Their primary concern lies with the graveyard that occupies part of the disputed land.
The MCD stated that the mosque’s leased land of 0.195 acres was granted in February 1940 and emphasized that no action was planned for the area under the lease. Authorities insisted that the demolition targeted only unauthorized extensions beyond the leased footprint.
This incident highlights ongoing tension between local residents, civic authorities, and judicial directives. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further unrest while ensuring that court orders are implemented. The police and civic authorities are coordinating to maintain law and order and to ensure that the operation does not escalate further.
