Tension Erupts At Delhi’s Turkman Gate During MCD Demolition Drive; Stones Pelted, Tear Gas Fired

Last Updated:January 07, 2026, 07:18 IST

As the demolition began, a large number of people gathered outside the mosque, with some raising slogans against the action.

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)

Illegal encroachments around the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque near Ramlila Ground in Delhi’s Turkman Gate area were removed during a late-night demolition drive that turned tense after stone pelting and sloganeering by a gathered crowd. The operation was carried out in the early hours of January 7, with around 10 bulldozers deployed to clear the encroachments.

As the demolition began, a large number of people gathered outside the mosque, with some raising slogans against the action. Delhi Police barricaded all roads leading to the mosque and stopped people from moving beyond the cordons. Tensions escalated when sections of the crowd attempted to break through the barricades near Turkman Gate, prompting police to use mild force to control the situation.

According to Joint Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma, the demolition was carried out as per court orders. He said strict action would be taken against those involved in violence and that offenders would be identified using video footage. Verma added that most of the people involved in the disturbances were outsiders and would not be spared.

The situation worsened when members of the crowd resorted to stone pelting at police personnel. To disperse the mob, police fired tear gas shells and gas bullets, leading to loud explosion-like sounds in the area. Teams of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed in the inner lanes of Turkman Gate from where stones were being hurled.

Delhi Police also used drone cameras to monitor the situation throughout the operation. The area was eventually brought under control, and the demolition drive was completed under heavy security presence.

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