Clashes erupt over demolition drive near Delhi mosque; 5 cops injured as protesters pelt stones

A tense situation unfolded in Delhi’s Turkman Gate area on Wednesday morning after a group of people staged protests against the demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid.

Reports claimed that a large number of protesters gathered outside the mosque, raising slogans as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out the demolition following a directive from the Delhi High Court.

Some protesters threw stones at the officials, prompting the police to use tear gas to control the situation. Five policemen were injured in the scuffle.

"About 25 to 30 people threw stones at the police teams, resulting in five policemen sustaining minor injuries. We had to use tear gas to restore order. A banquet hall and a dispensary were demolished," senior police officer Nidhin Valsan told PTI news agency.

He added that the drive had been carried out at night to minimize inconvenience to the public and that the situation is now fully under control.

Authorities had deployed 17 bulldozers to remove unauthorized structures in the area.

Earlier, the Delhi Police had issued a statement confirming that comprehensive law and order measures were in place to ensure the smooth execution of the demolition.

"The area was divided into nine zones, each under the supervision of an officer with the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. Adequate police deployment was made at all sensitive points," the statement said.

Before the demolition, the police held several coordination meetings with members of the Aman Committee and other local stakeholders to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents.