A mob pelted stones at police personnel and MCD staff while barricades were broken in an attempt to halt the operation. In response, officers used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, and the area was secured. Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range) Madhur Verma stated that the situation is now under control, with the area divided into nine zones, each under an ADCP-level officer, and adequate forces deployed in sensitive locations. He added that stone-pelters will be identified through video footage.
According to DCP Nidhin Valsan, the MCD acted strictly on the High Court’s order, and the operation is ongoing. Injured officers have received medical attention. Bulldozers and trucks are being used to remove debris from the site.
The operation stems from a Delhi MCD order dated November 12, 2025, following directives from the High Court’s division bench to clear 38,940 square feet of encroachment near Ramlila Maidan, including footpaths, roads, a private clinic, and a marriage hall. The mosque’s management committee had challenged the MCD order, arguing that part of the land, especially the cemetery, falls under Waqf property and is leased to the Waqf Board. The committee clarified that the marriage hall and clinic have already been closed and that they do not object to removing the encroachment.
On January 6, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the MCD, Ministry of Urban Development, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Waqf Board, and other concerned departments, seeking responses on the petition challenging the encroachment removal. Justice Amit Bansal has directed all parties to file replies within four weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for April 22, 2026.
Authorities emphasized that the operation is part of enforcing the High Court order and clearing illegal encroachments, while ensuring safety of personnel and citizens
Police-MCD Team Attacked During Encroachment Removal Drive at Turkman Gate, 5 Officers Injured
Digital Desk
A mob pelted stones at police personnel and MCD staff while barricades were broken in an attempt to halt the operation. In response, officers used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, and the area was secured. Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range) Madhur Verma stated that the situation is now under control, with the area divided into nine zones, each under an ADCP-level officer, and adequate forces deployed in sensitive locations. He added that stone-pelters will be identified through video footage.
According to DCP Nidhin Valsan, the MCD acted strictly on the High Court’s order, and the operation is ongoing. Injured officers have received medical attention. Bulldozers and trucks are being used to remove debris from the site.
The operation stems from a Delhi MCD order dated November 12, 2025, following directives from the High Court’s division bench to clear 38,940 square feet of encroachment near Ramlila Maidan, including footpaths, roads, a private clinic, and a marriage hall. The mosque’s management committee had challenged the MCD order, arguing that part of the land, especially the cemetery, falls under Waqf property and is leased to the Waqf Board. The committee clarified that the marriage hall and clinic have already been closed and that they do not object to removing the encroachment.
On January 6, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the MCD, Ministry of Urban Development, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Waqf Board, and other concerned departments, seeking responses on the petition challenging the encroachment removal. Justice Amit Bansal has directed all parties to file replies within four weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for April 22, 2026.
Authorities emphasized that the operation is part of enforcing the High Court order and clearing illegal encroachments, while ensuring safety of personnel and citizens
