FIR filed, 5 detained after violence during demolition drive in Delhi

New Delhi: Delhi Police on Wednesday lodged an FIR and detained five people after violence broke out during an anti-encroachment operation near the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque in the Ramlila Maidan area, an official said.

According to police, at least five personnel were injured when some individuals allegedly hurled stones and glass bottles at them while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out a court-ordered demolition on land adjoining the mosque and an adjacent graveyard.

To control the situation and disperse the mob, tear gas shells were used.

Police said five people have been taken into custody for questioning, and their roles will be verified using CCTV footage.

Officers are working to identify those involved in the stone-pelting and are also investigating whether the violence erupted on the spot or if it had been organised in advance to obstruct the demolition, the official added.

Senior officers said CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media are being examined to trace the culprits. Statements from witnesses and detained persons are also being recorded as part of the probe.

The FIR has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — 221 (obstructing a public servant), 132 (assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant), 121 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant), 191 (rioting), 223A (disobedience to an order by a public servant), 3(5) (joint liability) — along with provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.

Meanwhile, an MCD official clarified that the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque was not harmed during the operation.

The civic body said the demolition was carried out in compliance with the Delhi High Court directions. Around 30 bulldozers and 50 dumpers were deployed to clear encroachments and remove debris, officials said.

More than 300 MCD workers and officers took part in the drive, which continued overnight, they added.

A substantial encroached stretch — including structures previously declared illegal by the court — was cleared during the operation.

Police said security arrangements remain in place in the locality as a precaution.

“The situation is under control and normalcy has been restored,” a senior officer said, adding that strict legal steps will be taken against those responsible for the violence.

The investigation is ongoing.