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New Delhi: The Delhi Police have arrested five people in connection with stone-pelting that broke out during an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in the Turkman Gate area. The incident came to light after multiple videos surfaced on social media.
According to officials, the violence erupted when MCD teams, accompanied by police personnel, arrived with JCB machines to remove illegal structures following a court directive. During the operation, a group allegedly targeted the civic staff and police with stones, which injured five officers.
Police said around 25 to 30 people were involved in the stone-pelting. Videos circulating online show individuals shouting religious slogans while hurling stones at the security personnel. One clip also shows a man recording the demolition and allegedly calling others to assemble at the spot.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan said nearly 150 people had gathered after the demolition drive began.
He said residents had been informed in advance about the court order, but the situation escalated after some individuals refused to disperse. Police used force to push the crowd back and continued with the demolition. The injured policemen sustained minor injuries, he added.
An FIR has been registered, and five people from the Chandni Mahal area have been detained. Police are now scanning CCTV footage, drone visuals, and social media videos to identify others involved.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said the demolition drive was carried out strictly in line with court directions and within the framework of the law.
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain described the stone-pelting as “unfortunate” and said illegal constructions would continue to be removed, adding that such violence would not be tolerated in the national capital.
Police have maintained that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty after the investigation is completed.
