New Delhi: Late at night, intense unrest erupted in the Turkman Gate and Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque areas of Old Delhi during an अभियान (operation) against illegal constructions. When teams from the Municipal Corporation and the police arrived at the site to enforce orders issued by the Hon’ble High Court, anti-social elements attacked them. At least five police personnel were injured in the violent clash. During the incident, an aggressive crowd suddenly began pelting stones, creating an extremely tense situation for some time.
Around 1:00 a.m., when the administrative team reached the area to remove illegal encroachments in and around a banquet hall, a crowd of nearly 200 people had gathered. Initially, officials showed the crowd copies of the court orders and managed to persuade them to disperse. However, shortly thereafter, miscreants arriving from the vicinity of Turkman Gate launched a stone attack on the police force. The intensity of the mob’s aggression forced security personnel to retreat temporarily. As the situation deteriorated, the police regained control by firing tear gas shells to disperse the rioters.
According to police officials, the demolition drive was entirely lawful and was conducted to reclaim government land from encroachment. Following the incident, the police have begun identifying the perpetrators using technical evidence. Footage from CCTV cameras installed in the area, ground-level videos, and recordings from police body cameras are being closely examined. Authorities have made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against anyone who challenges law and order.
At present, the situation in the area is under control, and a heavy police deployment remains in place. The administration has categorically stated that any obstruction to the implementation of judicial orders will not be tolerated. The injured have been provided with first aid, and raids are ongoing to apprehend the accused. Police have appealed to citizens to maintain peace and refrain from paying attention to rumors.
