Five Arrested After Stone-Pelting, Mob Calls During Demolition Near Delhi Mosque

Delhi Police have arrested five people in connection with stone-pelting that occurred during a demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in the Turkman Gate area, after videos of the incident surfaced on social media.

According to police, the incident took place when MCD officials, accompanied by police personnel, arrived with heavy machinery to remove illegal encroachments in compliance with a court order. During the operation, a group of around 25 to 30 people allegedly began pelting stones at police and civic staff, leaving five police personnel with minor injuries.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan said the situation escalated after a large crowd gathered at the site once the demolition began. “We had informed residents about the court order. Around 150 people assembled in the area. While most were asked to disperse, a group of 25–30 individuals started pelting stones at the police,” he said, adding that force was used to push the crowd back before the demolition resumed.

Multiple videos of the incident circulated online following the clash. Police said they are examining CCTV footage, drone camera visuals and social media videos to identify those involved in the violence. An FIR has been registered in the case, and five people from the Chandni Mahal area have been arrested, the DCP said. “Action will be taken against anyone found guilty,” he added.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said the demolition drive was carried out strictly in accordance with court directions. “The action was taken following High Court orders and entirely as per law,” he said.

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain condemned the violence, calling the stone-pelting “unfortunate” and saying that while illegal structures would be removed as per legal process, violence could not be justified. “The demolition of illegal structures will continue as per law, but such incidents are unacceptable and regrettable,” he said.