Clashes briefly erupted in Old Delhi early Wednesday morning when agitators attempted to breach security barriers and hurled stones at law enforcement officials supervising a pre-dawn demolition operation aimed at clearing illegal structures near a religious site, according to police reports. Authorities responded by deploying tear gas to scatter the crowd and restore order.
Officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi stated that the continuing operation is being executed near the Faiz-e-Ilahi mosque in the Turkman Gate locality to eliminate unauthorized constructions in compliance with a Delhi High Court directive. A fleet of 17 bulldozers has been mobilized as part of the civic body’s ongoing anti-encroachment campaign.
The demolition proceeded despite the Delhi High Court issuing notice on Tuesday regarding a petition submitted by the Masjid Syed Elahi managing committee, which contests the MCD’s move to remove alleged encroachments from property adjacent to the mosque and cemetery at Ramlila Maidan.
Local residents mounted strong opposition to the drive, assembling at the location to demonstrate against the demolition. Police confirmed that substantial forces were positioned throughout the vicinity to prevent the situation from escalating beyond control.
The unauthorized structures encompassed segments of a roadway, pedestrian walkway, community facility, parking space, and a private medical diagnostic facility.
“The action is still ongoing. MCD is doing the demolition. We have deployed our staff for security. The action started around 1 am. MCD conducted demolition as per the High Court’s orders on the encroached land. Stones were thrown at the police at night. We used minimal force to pushback,” Valsan stated.
The official added, “Apart from that, the overall process was very smooth. Four to five officers suffered minor injuries. As soon as we get the CCTV camera footage, ground footage, and body camera footage, we will identify the miscreants and take legal action.”
Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police for the Central Range, confirmed that several troublemakers attempted to obstruct the operation by launching stones at personnel. “The situation was promptly brought under control with minimal and measured use of force, ensuring that normalcy was restored without any escalation,” he explained.
Verma disclosed that comprehensive law enforcement arrangements were established to facilitate the demolition’s smooth execution. “The entire area was divided into nine zones, each under the supervision of an Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, with adequate deployment at all sensitive points,” he revealed.
The police commander also mentioned that multiple coordination sessions were conducted with community stakeholders prior to the operation to preserve peace and avert any adverse incidents. He indicated that preventive and trust-building initiatives were implemented beforehand.
About the Delhi High Court Order
The MCD’s action stems from a November 12, 2025 ruling by a division bench of the high court, which allocated three months for the civic authority and the Public Works Department to eliminate 38,940 square feet of encroachments at the Ramlila Ground near Turkman Gate. The High Court issued this directive while addressing a petition filed by Save India Foundation, represented by advocate Umesh Chandra Sharma.
In October 2025, authorities conducted a joint survey documenting encroachments on land partially owned by various government bodies, including the MCD, PWD, and Land and Development Office.
After receiving notice, MCD personnel visited the site on January 4 to demarcate the encroached territory but encountered local resistance, necessitating enhanced police presence. The Masjid Syed Elahi managing committee, seeking cancellation of the MCD order, contends that it utilizes the disputed property and remits lease payments to the waqf board. The petition asserts that the land constitutes notified waqf property governed by the Waqf Act, placing all related disputes under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Waqf Tribunal.
Traffic Advisory Issued
Anticipating significant disruptions during the demolition campaign, Delhi Traffic Police released a traffic advisory, alerting motorists to congestion on multiple primary thoroughfares. Traffic around Ramlila Maidan and surrounding areas is expected to experience continued impact throughout the day.
The advisory warns of probable traffic jams on JLN Marg, Ajmeri Gate, and Minto Road due to the operation. Heavy congestion is also anticipated on Delhi Gate, BSZ Marg, and NS Marg until demolition activities conclude. Commuters have been urged to bypass these routes unless essential and utilize alternate pathways.
Certain stretches will remain entirely blocked to vehicles. The roadway from Kamla Market roundabout to Asaf Ali Road near the Hamdard Building will be closed. Vehicular passage from Kamla Market roundabout toward JLN Marg and from Delhi Gate toward JLN Marg will face restrictions. Additionally, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Marg from Mirdard Chowk to Guru Nanak Chowk will stay shut until demolition work concludes.