Delhi Police have arrested five people in connection with stone-pelting during a demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid at Turkman Gate, after
multiple videos of the incident surfaced on social media.
According to police, the violence broke out when MCD officials, accompanied by police personnel, arrived with JCB machines to remove illegal encroachments following a court order. Around 25–30 people allegedly pelted stones at the police and civic staff, injuring five policemen.
Videos circulating online show stone-pelters shouting religious slogans during the incident. In one of the clips, individuals can be heard chanting “Allah Hu Akhbar” as stones are hurled at police personnel.
Another viral video shows a man filming the bulldozer operation while making a phone call, allegedly urging more people to gather at the spot as the demolition was underway.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan said that around 150 people had assembled at the site after the demolition drive began.
“Last night, MCD staff came here with JCBs. We had informed about the court’s order to the people. Around 150 people gathered here. People were curious to know what was happening. We advised them to leave the site. 25-30 people started pelting stones at the police. In retaliation, we had to use force. After pushing them back, we started the demolition. Five police officers were injured during the stone pelting. Their injuries are minor in nature,” DCP Valsan said.
He added that an FIR has been registered and five people from the Chandni Mahal area have been detained.
“We have registered an FIR. Five people have been detained. The people detained are from the Chandni Mahal area,” the DCP said.
Police said they are examining CCTV footage, drone camera visuals, and videos circulating on social media to identify those involved.
“We are also examining CCTV camera footage, drone cameras were deployed yesterday, and videos are circulating on social media; we are investigating all of them. Action will be taken against anyone found guilty,” Valsan said.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said the demolition drive was conducted strictly as per court directions.
“The action was taken following the orders of the High Court…The entire action was taken as per law,” he said.
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain termed the stone-pelting incident “very unfortunate” and said illegal structures would be removed.
“The structures that were built illegally will certainly be demolished, but the stone-pelting that took place there is very unfortunate. This is unacceptable anywhere in Delhi… This is regrettable and cannot be allowed in Delhi,” Hussain said.
