A court-mandated anti-encroachment drive in Delhi’s historic Turkman Gate area turned violent on Tuesday, leading to clashes between police and local residents, the detention of five individuals, and the emergence of Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi’s name in the subsequent investigation.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), acting on Delhi High Court orders, carried out a demolition on land adjoining the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque and a nearby graveyard. The operation, which involved around 30 bulldozers, 50 dumpers, and over 300 MCD staff, aimed to clear structures declared illegal by the court.
The situation escalated when a group of people allegedly began pelting stones and glass bottles at police personnel and municipal workers. At least five police officers were injured in the incident. To disperse the crowd and restore order, police fired tear gas shells. The civic body clarified that the mosque itself was not damaged during the drive.
Delhi Police registered an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including obstructing public servants, assault, rioting, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Five people were detained for questioning.
“We are analysing CCTV footage and videos from social media to identify all involved. We are also investigating whether this violence was spontaneous or pre-planned to disrupt the lawful drive,” a senior police official said.
Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi’s name surfaced in connection with the incident, with police stating they will question him. Reacting to the development, Nadvi stated he was not aware of any specific high court order regarding the encroachment removal at that location.
“We were still discussing the mosque's area and whether or not there was any encroachment. Meanwhile, I received news last night that the mosque had been surrounded by security forces,” Nadvi said.
The MP linked the event to a previous incident, saying, “Earlier, a mosque in Mehrauli had disappeared overnight. I had raised my voice against it in Parliament. When I heard the news about Turkman Gate, I was worried that people might get out of control, so I went to the spot.”
Nadvi defended his actions, claiming he appealed for calm. “When I went there, I appealed to the people to go to their homes. There is also a video in which I am asking people to remain calm,” he asserted.
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood condemned the violence, calling the stone-pelting “unfortunate” and stating that it would not be tolerated. He accused “criminal and mischievous elements” of instigating the demonstration and violence.
“Individuals involved in the incident have been identified, and legal action is being taken against them,” Sood said.
The MCD reported that the drive resulted in the clearance of a large encroached area. Police personnel remain deployed in the locality as a precautionary measure to prevent any further unrest.
The incident highlights the recurring tensions in the national capital over anti-encroachment drives, especially in sensitive, densely populated areas, often intertwining issues of legality, civic planning, and community sentiment. The investigation into the violence and the role of various individuals, including the SP MP, continues.
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