New Delhi

Delhi Police on Wednesday said that five people have been arrested in connection with a stone-pelting incident that occurred near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid at Turkman Gate during a demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

According to an official police statement, the MCD undertook the demolition exercise in the encroached area near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, close to Ramlila Maidan, in the early hours of January 7, following directions issued by the Delhi High Court.

Ahead of the operation, authorities held several coordination meetings with members of the Aman Committee and local representatives to ensure peace and prevent any disturbances. Central Range Joint Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma said that all necessary preventive steps and confidence-building measures had been put in place before the drive commenced.

However, shortly after the demolition began, a group of around 25 to 30 individuals allegedly resorted to stone-pelting at police personnel and MCD officials who had arrived at the site with JCB machines to remove the illegal structures in compliance with the court order.

The incident resulted in minor injuries to five police personnel. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central District) Nidhin Valsan said the injured officers were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Earlier in the day, police registered an FIR against unidentified persons in connection with the attack on the police team during the official operation. Officials said further legal action would follow once those involved are identified and adequate evidence is collected.

“The demolition began around 1 am as per the High Court’s instructions. During the night, stones were thrown at police personnel. Minimal force was used to control the situation. Overall, the operation was smooth, and four to five officers sustained minor injuries. Once CCTV footage, ground visuals and body camera recordings are examined, those responsible will be identified and proceeded against legally,” DCP Valsan said.

Meanwhile, Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh defended the MCD’s action, stating that the demolition drive was conducted strictly in accordance with court orders and formed part of the broader effort to remove illegal encroachments from the city.

Commenting on the stone-pelting incident, the Mayor alleged that misinformation and rumours contributed to the unrest. “The MCD acted as per the court’s directions. There was illegal occupation on the Ramlila ground where a banquet hall was being run. All unlawful structures will be removed. Some individuals mislead the public by spreading rumours, which leads to such incidents. These actions will not deter our goal of ensuring a clean Delhi,” Singh told ANI.