Demolition Drive Near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid: Stones Thrown At Cops; 5 Injured

Four to five police personnel suffered minor injuries as stones were pelted at them during the demolition drive carried out by the MCD on encroached land near Turkman Gate in Delhi on Wednesday.

Following directions of the Delhi High Court, the MCD carried out the demolition drive at a land adjoining the Syed Faiz Elahi mosque and graveyard. However, some residents threw stones at the personnel, forcing the authorities to use tear gas to bring the situation under control.

The authorities deployed approximately 17 bulldozers to raze down the unauthorised structures in the area.

"The action is still ongoing. MCD is doing the demolition. We have deployed our security staff. The action started around 1 am. MCD conducted demolition as per the High Court's orders on the encroached land. Stones were pelted at the Police at night. We used minimal force to push back. Overall, the process was very smooth. Four to five officers suffered minor injuries. As soon as we receive the CCTV, ground, and body camera footage, we will identify the perpetrators and take legal action," ANI quoted Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Nidhin Valsan as saying.

The police have said that there is adequate security to carry out the demolition drive in a smooth manner.

Several rounds of meeting were held with members of the Aman Committee and other local stakeholders to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents. Central Range Joint Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma stated that steps have been taken to prevent untoward incidents.

A "few miscreants" attempted to create a disturbance by stone pelting, with the situation being promptly brought under control through "measured and minimal use of force", as per the officials.

The statement added that the Delhi Police is committed to maintain law and order and to ensure all judicial directions are implemented in a lawful, professional and sensitive manner.