New Delhi, Jan 08, 2026 – Tensions flared in Central Delhi’s Turkman Gate area between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning as authorities carried out a demolition drive around the century-old Faiz-e-Elahi mosque, following a Delhi High Court order to remove illegal encroachments. The operation saw bulldozers, heightened police deployment, and local protests, ultimately resulting in stone pelting, police action, and five detentions.

Timeline of Events

Tuesday, 3:30 PM: The Delhi High Court issued notices to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other relevant agencies after a petition by the Masjid Syed Elahi managing committee. The committee challenged the MCD’s decision to remove encroachments abutting the mosque, claiming the structures were in lawful use and lease rent had been paid to the Delhi Waqf Board.

Tuesday, 10:30 PM: Thirty-two bulldozers arrived at the site, ready to dismantle the encroachments. Authorities anticipated possible tensions and increased security measures.

Tuesday, 11:00 PM: Security was further strengthened. Nine additional commissioners of police, 25 assistant commissioners across nine zones, about 800 local police personnel, and 10 companies of paramilitary forces were deployed.

Tuesday, 11:30 PM: Locals began gathering near the mosque, voicing their opposition to the impending demolition.

Wednesday, 1:00 AM: Authorities asked the gathered crowd to leave the premises. By then, around 150 people had congregated, raising slogans. A small group of 25–30 individuals allegedly began pelting stones at police, according to official accounts.

Wednesday, 1:30 AM: Demolition work commenced after police used tear gas shells to disperse stone-pelting protestors. Bulldozers began dismantling a banquet hall, private diagnostic centre, Haj pilgrim accommodation, portions of road, footpaths, and a car park, leaving the mosque untouched.

Wednesday, 10:00 AM: Five individuals were detained, and an FIR was registered over the stone-pelting incident. Police said identification was aided by bodycam footage and other video evidence.

Local Perspectives

Residents disputed the police version of events, claiming the crowd protested peacefully and that stone pelting occurred only after police fired tear gas.

• Mohammed Zuhaib, 43, a shopkeeper near the mosque, said: “Till 3:30 AM, at least 50 tear gas shells were used in residential streets. My children couldn’t sleep all night and had headaches and watery eyes.”
• Mohammed Shehzad, 48, from the local Aman Committee, claimed that most stone pelters were outsiders. He said: “Meetings were held with police for a week. On Monday, they showed us a map of what would be demolished and assured that the mosque would not be touched. Locals were cooperative, but a few outsiders caused disturbances.”

The demolition drive highlights the delicate balance between enforcing urban regulations and managing communal sensitivities in historic areas. Authorities have stated that the mosque itself remained untouched throughout the operation, while encroachments on public land were removed.