At least five Delhi Police officers injured when an anti-encroachment operation near a mosque in Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan escalated into violence.
The clashes began when about 300 officials and workers from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) were conducting a demolition at a site next to the Syed Faiz Elahi mosque and graveyard at Turkman Gate, following a directive from the Delhi High Court.
Residents throw stones on Delhi Police officers, some injured
Some residents reacted by throwing stones at the officials, prompting the police to use tear gas to restore order. In response, some residents also targeted the police with stones.
“About 25-30 people threw stones at police teams, resulting in minor injuries to five officers. We had to deploy tear gas to control the situation. A banquet hall and a dispensary demolished. We conducted the operation at night to minimize inconvenience to people,” said senior police officer Nidhin Valsan.
“We will take action against those involved in stone throwing. The situation is fully under control here,” he added. The police reported detaining five suspects and are identifying others using over 100 videos that show the mob throwing stones. A case filed based on statements from the injured officers and MCD workers.
High Court Issues Notices
On Tuesday, the Delhi HC requested responses from the Ministry of Urban Development, MCD, and Delhi Waqf Board regarding a plea that challenges an order for removing alleged encroachments.
Justice Amit Bansal issued notices to the MCD, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Land and Development Office (L&DO) of the Ministry of Urban Development, PWD, and the Delhi Waqf Board following a petition from the managing committee of the Masjid Syed Faiz Elahi.
HC noted that the “matter requires consideration” and instructed the authorities to submit their replies within four weeks, scheduling further hearings for April 22. The mosque’s managing committee is asking to cancel the MCD’s order, claiming they are using the property and are paying lease rent to the waqf board.
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