Delhi Police detained five individuals on Wednesday in connection with the clashes that broke out during a demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in the Turkman Gate area.
An FIR has been filed, and authorities are investigating whether the violence was spontaneous or part of a pre-planned effort to disrupt the demolition.
Reports indicate that a large group 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.
#WATCH | Delhi | Debris being cleared from the area near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, where a demolition drive was carried out by the MCD last night. pic.twitter.com/ODNJrmx5nW
— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026
Five police personnel were injured when protesters threw stones and glass bottles at the force. In response, the police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those involved in the violence and stone-pelting. They are also analysing video clips circulating on social media to pinpoint the miscreants.
The FIR has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 221 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from performing his duty), 121 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant), 191 (rioting), 223(A) (disobedience to a duly promulgated order by a public servant), and 3(5) (joint liability), as well as provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals from the area near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, where MCD, pursuant to the directions of the Delhi High Court, carried out a demolition drive on an encroachment earlier today.
— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026
Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, says,… pic.twitter.com/sAVAsZwPfs
Meanwhile, the Rapid Action Force has been deployed near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid following protests and clashes, though officials have assured that the situation is now fully under control.
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood clarified that some commercial establishments around the mosque had been built illegally, and action was being taken in accordance with court orders.
"Obstructing or disrupting work carried out within the framework of the law is completely unacceptable," he said.
Sood further emphasised, "I want to make it clear that the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque is completely safe. The action being taken is limited only to those illegal commercial establishments that fall within the scope of the court's orders. There is no arbitrariness or mala fide intent on the part of the government in this matter."
