New Delhi: Fresh details have emerged from the late-night demolition drive in central Delhi, with Times Now accessing video footage that suggests the attack
on police personnel may have been pre-planned. The visuals show individuals in the crowd allegedly instigating violence, raising slogans such as “mere sher, wah” while stones were being hurled at the police team during the operation near Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area. The demolition drive was carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) following directions of the Delhi High Court. The action began around 1 am, with around 17 bulldozers deployed to remove illegal constructions, including a dispensary and a community hall adjoining the mosque. Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Ravindra Yadav said,“MCD conducted demolition as per the high court’s orders on the encroached land. Stones were pelted at the police at night. We used minimal force to push back.” An FIR has been registered against unidentified persons, with the process of identification still underway, police said, adding that multiple teams are scanning CCTV footage, ground visuals and body-camera recordings to establish individual roles in the violence. The scale of the demolition was significant, with around 30 bulldozers and 50 dumpers pressed into service to clear the debris. Officials said over 300 MCD workers and officers were deployed on the ground to execute the drive, underscoring the extensive logistical and security arrangements made to carry out the court-mandated action.
Stone Pelting Caught on Camera
According to sources, the protest and stone pelting lasted around five minutes, during which police personnel were targeted with stones and other objects. The newly accessed video footage shows members of the crowd provoking others to attack, prompting investigators to probe whether the violence was orchestrated in advance rather than spontaneous.Police used shields and gas bombs to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation. Four to five police personnel sustained minor injuries during the clash.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan said, “The action is still ongoing. We deployed our staff for security. Four to five officers suffered minor injuries. As soon as we get the CCTV camera footage, ground footage and body camera footage, we will identify the miscreants and take legal action.”
FIR Registered, 11 Detained; Arrests Likely
Delhi Police have registered an FIR against unknown persons in connection with the violence. Officials confirmed that 11 people have been detained so far for questioning, and arrests are expected soon as identification progresses.Investigators are scanning CCTV footage, ground visuals and body-camera recordings to establish roles and determine whether the violence was pre-planned. Sources said police are focusing on identifying those who were seen instigating the crowd in the video.
Traffic Disruptions and Advisory
Anticipating disruption due to heavy security deployment, Delhi Traffic Police issued a traffic advisory, warning of congestion around Ramlila Maidan and adjoining central Delhi areas. Commuters have been advised to avoid the stretch, follow diversions and plan their journeys in advance.
The administration reiterated that the demolition was conducted strictly under court orders and appealed to residents to maintain peace. Police said the situation is now under control, with adequate forces deployed to prevent any further flare-up.
With video evidence now forming a key part of the probe, the focus has shifted to establishing intent and planning behind the violence, even as authorities move towards arrests in the case.
