A court-mandated demolition drive near Turkman Gate in central Delhi escalated into violent clashes between local residents and the police, prompting authorities to impose heavy security in the area. The demolition, carried out under judicial directions, triggered large-scale unrest as a crowd numbering more than 2,000 people allegedly resorted to stone-pelting, leaving several police personnel injured. While the situation has since been brought under control, investigations are ongoing and further legal action is being contemplated by multiple stakeholders.
The chain of events traces back to November 12, 2025, when a bench of the Delhi High Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Public Works Department to remove illegal encroachments spread across nearly 38,940 square feet near Ramleela Maidan. The encroached land included portions of a public road, a footpath, a wedding hall, parking space, and a private diagnostic centre. The court granted a three-month deadline to complete the removal process.
In compliance with procedural requirements, the MCD conducted personal hearings on November 24 and December 16, 2025, allowing affected parties to present their case. Representatives from the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque management committee, the Delhi Waqf Board, the Delhi Development Authority, and the Revenue Department participated in these proceedings. Despite objections raised and a petition filed by the mosque management committee, the MCD decided on December 22 to proceed with the demolition, which was eventually launched around midnight on January 7, 2026.
Tensions flared when demolition teams, escorted by police and supported by 17 bulldozers, reached the site late at night. A large crowd quickly gathered, initially raising slogans before the situation spiralled into violence. Stones were hurled at police personnel, resulting in injuries to at least five officers, including Head Constable Jai Singh and Constable Vikram. To disperse the crowd and regain control, the police resorted to tear gas, firing dozens of shells amid chaotic scenes.
Following the violence, police registered a First Information Report at Chandni Mahal police station under charges related to rioting and assault on public servants. Five individuals were formally arrested, while a total of ten people were taken into custody. Central Delhi Police Joint Commissioner Madhur Verma confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Central Delhi Operations Unit. A Special Investigation Team has been constituted, and around 50 suspects have been identified using CCTV footage and police body-camera recordings.
Political reactions to the incident were swift and sharp. Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the AIMIM, claimed that the property in question belongs to the Waqf and criticised the manner in which the demolition was carried out. He argued that the Delhi Waqf Board should have been made a party to the case and that the relevant gazette notification ought to have been placed before the court. Owaisi urged the Waqf Board and the mosque management committee to approach the Supreme Court of India and seek a status quo order.
Senior Indian National Congress leader Salman Khurshid noted that the mosque structure itself remained intact and had not suffered any damage. However, he expressed concern that the matter involved sensitive social considerations and should have been addressed through dialogue before enforcement action. He also pointed out that the demolition took place during severe winter conditions, arguing that authorities should have ensured that no harm came to people.
Adding to the criticism, Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, described the demolition as deeply troubling and likened it to the excesses witnessed during the Emergency period. He called the incident a grim reminder of past injustices and urged a more humane and consultative approach.
Meanwhile, police have intensified security arrangements in and around Turkman Gate. Additional forces remain deployed, and multiple teams are working simultaneously to identify and apprehend those involved in the violence, as well as to monitor social media posts and viral videos linked to the incident. The area remains under tight control as authorities prepare for the next court hearing scheduled for April 22, by which time all concerned agencies have been directed to file their affidavits.
