Police sources said the incident escalated after rumours circulated on social media alleging that the mosque would be demolished. A post by Khalid Malik reportedly urged people to gather at the site, leading to a crowd pelting stones and glass bottles at police and Municipal Corporation staff. Five police personnel were injured in the violence. Tear gas shells were fired to disperse the crowd.
The unrest coincided with ongoing legal disputes over encroachments near the mosque. The Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque management has challenged a December 22, 2025, order from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in the Delhi High Court, which declared structures on 0.195 acres of land outside the mosque illegal and directed their removal. The MCD stated that no ownership documents were produced for the additional land and acted in compliance with a High Court directive from November 12, 2025. The disputed area includes roads, a footpath, a community hall, a parking lot, and a private diagnostic clinic.
The mosque committee maintains the land is Waqf property and claims lease rent has been paid to the Delhi Waqf Board. It also contended that while it has no objection to removal of encroachments, its main concern relates to the graveyard.
Social and political reactions followed the incident. SP leader ST Hasan defended the crowd’s actions, saying, “When atrocities are committed in the name of encroachment targeting religious places, a reaction is inevitable.” Hasan also demanded action if officials had permitted illegal encroachments. Meanwhile, police continue to identify suspects through CCTV footage and conduct raids to arrest them.
The Delhi High Court issued notices on January 6 to the MCD, Delhi Development Authority, Ministry of Urban Development, and Delhi Waqf Board, seeking responses within four weeks. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 22, 2026.
Authorities have stressed that investigations are ongoing, and all arrests are part of maintaining law and order while ensuring compliance with court directives. Police have warned that further violence or illegal actions during encroachment operations will not be tolerated.
