5 Arrested in Violent Clash During Delhi Demolition Drive

January 7, 2026

Five people were arrested by Delhi Police after a demolition drive near the Syed Faiz Elahi mosque in the Turkman Gate area of Old Delhi turned violent on Wednesday morning. The arrests came as police registered a case and are now probing a possible conspiracy behind the violence that erupted during the anti-encroachment operation.

The demolition was part of a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) operation carried out following a Delhi High Court order to remove encroachments on land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard.

Stone Pelting and Police Response

According to officials, around 20-25 people allegedly pelted stones and glass bottles at police personnel, injuring at least five officers, who sustained minor injuries. In response, police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order at the site.

Authorities said extensive law-and-order arrangements were made before dawn, including deploying senior officers and forming multiple security zones around the demolition site.

FIR Registered, Conspiracy Angle Probed

The Delhi Police registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 after the clashes. Officers said they are analyzing CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media to identify others involved and determine whether the violence was spontaneous or pre-planned.

Statements from witnesses and detained individuals are also being recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.

Officials Stress Lawful Action

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood condemned the stone-pelting and warned that violence would not be tolerated. He clarified the demolition was strictly of illegal commercial structures, not the mosque itself, and said legal action is being taken against those who disrupted the drive.

Police officials reiterated that the situation was brought under control quickly and that normalcy has been restored in the area.