At least five people, including a juvenile, were taken into custody and around 10-15 others were detained after a violent clash erupted during an anti-encroachment drive near the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque in Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan area on Wednesday, leaving five police personnel injured, following which an FIR was registered by Delhi Police, with senior officers stating that CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media are being examined and statements of witnesses and detained individuals are being recorded, while police sources said the situation escalated after a social media post falsely claimed that the mosque was being demolished during the drive.
The FIR has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to obstructing public servants, assault, rioting, disobedience of official orders, and causing damage to public property, along with provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
The violence reportedly erupted when local residents allegedly pelted stones at municipal officials and police teams during a demolition drive on land adjoining the mosque, which was being carried out following Delhi High Court directions. Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood termed the incident “unfortunate” and warned that such acts of violence would not be tolerated.
What We Know So Far In Demolition Drive Near Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque
1. Early this morning, municipal officers and over 300 MCD workers arrived at the site with 30 bulldozers and 50 dump trucks to carry out a demolition drive.
2. Around 25-30 people threw stones at police teams accompanying the officials, injuring five policemen during the clash.
3. Authorities demolished a dispensary and a banquet hall, clearing a large encroached area declared illegal by the Delhi High Court.
4. Police confirmed the situation is under control, law and order measures remain in place, and action will be taken against those involved in violence.
5. MCD officials clarified that the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque was not damaged during the operation, which targeted only illegal structures beyond 0.195 acres of leased land.
6. The mosque committee challenged the demolition, claiming the land is Waqf property, while MCD stated no evidence proves lawful possession by the committee or Waqf Board for the adjoining land.
7. The High Court has sought responses from MCD, the Ministry of Urban Development, and the Delhi Waqf Board, with further hearing scheduled for April 22.