The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi [India], January 7: Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested five persons in connection with a stone-pelting incident that occurred during a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) demolition drive near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid at Turkman Gate.
According to an official police statement, the MCD carried out the demolition in the early hours of January 7 following orders from the Delhi High Court. The action targeted illegal encroachments in the vicinity of Ramlila Maidan.
Prior to the drive, police held several coordination meetings with members of the Aman Committee and local stakeholders to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incidents. Central Range Joint Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma said all preventive and confidence-building measures were undertaken.
However, soon after the demolition began, around 25–30 people allegedly pelted stones at police personnel and MCD officials who had arrived with JCB machines to remove the encroachments. As a result, five police personnel sustained minor injuries and were treated at a nearby hospital, said Central District Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Nidhin Valsan.
Police earlier registered an FIR against unknown persons after a police team came under attack during official duty. Officials said further legal action would be initiated once the identification process is completed and sufficient evidence, including CCTV, ground, and body-camera footage, is analysed.
“The demolition started around 1 am as per the High Court’s order. Stones were pelted at police personnel during the night. Minimal force was used to control the situation, and the overall process remained smooth,” DCP Valsan said.
Meanwhile, Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh defended the demolition drive, stating that all illegal structures would be removed as part of efforts to ensure a clean city. Addressing the stone-pelting incident, he said misinformation and rumours had contributed to the unrest.
“MCD followed the court order. There was illegal occupation on Ramlila ground where a banquet hall was operating. Some people misled the public by spreading rumours, which led to this incident. Such actions will not deter us from our goal of a clean Delhi,” Singh said.
