Clash Over Delhi Demolition: What Happened Near Turkman Gate?
A major anti-encroachment drive near the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque at Ramlila Maidan turned violent in the early hours of January 7, 2026.1 The operation, which began around 1:30 AM, led to a confrontation between local residents and security forces, resulting in injuries and detentions.
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1. The Incident: A Late-Night Conflict
Despite the demolition being originally scheduled for the morning, the MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) arrived with heavy machinery well before dawn.3
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Violence: A crowd of about 100–150 people gathered.4 While most were persuaded to leave, a group of 25–30 individuals allegedly pelted stones and glass bottles at the police.
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Casualties: At least 5 police personnel sustained minor injuries during the stone-pelting.
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Security Response: The police deployed the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and used tear gas to disperse the crowd and regain control.
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Detentions: Five individuals have been detained, and an FIR has been registered under sections related to rioting and obstructing public servants.
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2. The Core Dispute: Why Now?
The clash is the culmination of a months-long legal battle over land ownership and usage rights.
| Aspect | Details |
| The Court Order | In November 2025, the Delhi High Court ordered the MCD and PWD to clear 39,000 sq ft of encroachments at Ramlila Ground within three months. |
| Structures Targeted | A road, a footpath, a banquet hall, a car park, and a private diagnostic centre. |
| Mosque vs. Encroachment | The MCD clarifies that only 0.195 acres (leased in 1940) belongs to the mosque. All structures beyond this limit are considered illegal encroachments. |
| Waqf Claim | The mosque committee argues the land is Waqf property and the High Court passed orders without hearing their full case. |
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3. Current Status of the Site
As of midday January 7, the situation is reported to be under control but remains tense.
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Successful Demolition: A dispensary and a banquet hall identified in the court order have been razed.
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Mosque Safety: Officials have confirmed that no damage was caused to the mosque structure itself during the drive.
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Clean-up: Approximately 200–250 truckloads of debris are being cleared from the site.
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Legal Roadblock: The High Court has issued fresh notices to the MCD and Delhi Waqf Board, with the next hearing scheduled for April 22, 2026.
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