Five Police Officers Injured As Turkman Gate Demolition Drive Turns Violent

Five police officers suffered minor injuries and around 10 people were detained after an anti-encroachment demolition drive turned violent near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque, close to Turkman Gate in Central Delhi, early Wednesday morning. The clash began around 1:00 AM when local residents and miscreants clashed with the police and pelted them with stones during the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) action.

The demolition was carried out by the MCD to remove illegal constructions, including a dispensary and a community hall adjoining the mosque. The action followed an order from the Delhi High Court, which had declared these structures illegal and directed their removal. Around 17 bulldozers were deployed for the drive.

Delhi Police deployed personnel to provide security for the civic body's action. Special Commissioner (Law and Order) Ravindra Yadav stated that the operation started around 1:00 AM. According to Yadav, stones were pelted at the police during the night, prompting security forces to use minimal force to push the crowd back.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan confirmed that four to five officers sustained minor injuries during the incident. He stated that the police have registered an FIR against unknown persons and are scanning CCTV footage, ground visuals, and body-camera recordings to identify the attackers.

Investigators have already identified four to five suspects, and around 10 people have been detained for questioning so far. The police have warned that strict legal action will follow once the miscreants are fully identified.

Following the violence and ongoing demolition activity, the administration appealed to local residents to maintain peace. The Delhi Traffic Police also issued a traffic advisory, warning commuters of congestion on several key roads, particularly around Ramlila Maidan and adjoining areas, which were expected to remain affected throughout Wednesday.