A Delhi demolition drive near Ramlila Maidan turned violent early Wednesday after clashes erupted between local residents and civic authorities, leaving at least five police personnel injured by the end of the operation, highlighting tensions surrounding the Delhi demolition drive.
The incident occurred when around 300 officials and workers of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi carried out an anti-encroachment exercise on land adjoining the Syed Faiz Elahi mosque and graveyard at Turkman Gate. The Delhi demolition drive was conducted following directions issued by the Delhi High Court, which had ordered the removal of unauthorised structures from the area.
According to police officials, tensions escalated when a group of residents allegedly began pelting stones at the demolition teams. The situation quickly spiralled out of control, forcing police to intervene. Tear gas was used to disperse the crowd and restore order during the Delhi demolition drive.
Senior police officer Nidhin Valsan said that around 25 to 30 individuals were involved in stone pelting, resulting in minor injuries to five police personnel. He added that the drive was deliberately conducted during nighttime hours to minimise inconvenience to the public. During the operation, a banquet hall and a dispensary built on the encroached land were demolished as part of the Delhi demolition drive.
Police officials confirmed that five accused have been detained so far, while efforts are underway to identify others involved. Authorities are examining over 100 video clips recorded at the site, which show members of the mob throwing stones at police teams during the Delhi demolition drive. A case has also been registered based on statements provided by the injured policemen and MCD workers.
For the operation, civic authorities deployed nearly 30 bulldozers and 50 dump trucks to remove unauthorised structures from the area. The action follows a November 2025 order of the Delhi High Court that granted three months to the MCD and the Public Works Department to clear approximately 38,940 square feet of encroachments near Ramlila Ground.
Police have stated that the situation is now completely under control and that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the violence.
FAQs
Q: What caused the Delhi demolition drive to turn violent?
A: The violence began after some residents allegedly started stone pelting during the anti-encroachment operation.
Q: How many police personnel were injured in the Delhi demolition drive?
A: Five police personnel sustained minor injuries during the clashes.
Q: Why was the Delhi demolition drive conducted at night?
A: Officials said the operation was carried out at night to reduce inconvenience to local residents.
Q: What action has been taken after the Delhi demolition drive violence?
A: Police have detained five accused, registered a case, and are identifying others using video evidence.
