Clashes Erupt as MCD Demolishes Encroachments Near Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque in Turkman Gate; 5 Police Personnel Injured in Stone-Pelting
New Delhi, January 7, 2026 – Tension gripped Delhi’s Turkman Gate area early Wednesday after the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) conducted a major anti-encroachment drive near the historic Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid (also known as Syed Faiz Ilahi Mosque), close to Ramlila Maidan. 3 “LARGE” 4 “LARGE”
The large-scale operation, carried out in compliance with a Delhi High Court order from November 2025, began around 1 AM and continued into the morning. Multiple bulldozers were deployed to remove alleged illegal structures, including a banquet hall and diagnostic centre, on land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard. Officials clarified that the mosque itself remained untouched and safe.
During the drive, a section of the crowd resorted to stone-pelting, targeting police personnel and leading to injuries to at least five officers. To restore order, police deployed tear gas shells amid the chaos in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi. 8 “LARGE” 1 “LARGE”
The Delhi Police stated that the situation was quickly brought under control with minimal force, and normalcy has been restored. An FIR has been registered, and several individuals have been detained in connection with the stone-pelting incident.
The action follows ongoing legal proceedings, with the High Court recently issuing notices on a petition challenging the demolition but granting no interim stay.
This anti-encroachment drive is part of broader efforts to reclaim public land in the national capital. Stay updated for more developments on this story.
