Midnight Demolition Near Delhi Mosque Triggers Protest, Stone-Pelting; Several Injured
New Delhi | January 7, 2026 | DeccanLive.com
Tension broke out near Ramlila Maidan, close to Turkman Gate, after a midnight demolition drive by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) turned violent. The action, carried out after midnight on Tuesday, led to strong protests by local residents, stone-pelting, and clashes with the police.
According to media reports, at least five police personnel and several civilians were injured, though officials said the injuries were minor.
Locals questioned why the demolition was carried out late at night, when people were asleep, instead of during the daytime. Many residents came out on the streets and protested against the sudden action, accusing the authorities of acting in haste.
MCD officials said they were removing illegal constructions on government land near Syed Faiz Ilahi Mosque and the adjoining graveyard, following orders of the Delhi High Court. Police said that around 1 am, a group of 25 to 30 people began pelting stones at police and MCD staff. To control the situation, police used tear gas in a limited manner.
Senior police officer Nidhin Valsan said five police personnel were injured in the stone-pelting. He added that the situation is now fully under control and that CCTV and body camera footage is being used to identify those involved. Legal action will be taken against them.
MCD officials said around 17 bulldozers were used during the operation and several structures were demolished. They claimed the work was done at night to reduce inconvenience to the public.
The demolition drive is being carried out as per a Delhi High Court order dated November 12, 2025, which gave MCD and the Public Works Department (PWD) three months to clear nearly 38,940 square feet of encroached government land in the area. A joint survey in October 2025 found illegal structures such as roads, footpaths, a community hall, parking space, and a private clinic on the land.
In December, MCD clarified that 0.195 acres of land under the mosque would not be touched. However, officials said no legal documents were submitted for the remaining area, which was therefore treated as encroached land.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notices to MCD, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), PWD, Ministry of Urban Development, and the Delhi Waqf Board after a petition was filed by the mosque’s management committee. Justice Amit Bansal said the matter needs consideration and asked all parties to respond within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for April 22.
The mosque committee has claimed that the land is Waqf property and comes under the Waqf Act. While it said it has no objection to removing encroachments, it expressed concerns regarding the graveyard portion.
Police said tight security arrangements were made to maintain law and order. The area was divided into nine zones, with extra forces deployed at sensitive points.
Due to the demolition, Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory, warning of heavy traffic on Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Ajmeri Gate, Minto Road, Delhi Gate, and nearby roads. Several roads were closed, and commuters were advised to use alternative routes.
Officials confirmed that peace has been restored in the area, but security forces remain on alert to prevent any further trouble.
