**Title:** Violent Clashes Erupt During Demolition Near Turkman Gate
**Meta Description:** A large-scale police operation to remove encroachments near Turkman Gate led to violent clashes, resulting in injuries and ongoing investigations.
**URL Slug:** demolition-turkman-gate-clashes
**Headline:** Violent Clashes Erupt as Police Demolish Encroachments Near Turkman Gate
A significant police operation aimed at removing illegal encroachments near Turkman Gate in central Delhi resulted in violent confrontations, prompting authorities to implement heightened security measures in the area. The demolition, carried out under a court order, was met with resistance from a crowd of over 2,000 individuals, leading to stone-pelting incidents that injured several police officers. While the immediate situation has stabilized, investigations and legal proceedings are currently underway.
On November 12, 2025, the Delhi High Court instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Public Works Department (PWD) to clear illegal occupations spanning approximately 38,940 square feet near Ramleela Maidan. This area included portions of a road, footpath, a wedding hall, parking facilities, and a private diagnostic center. The court allowed a three-month timeframe for the operation to be completed.
To address concerns, the MCD organized personal hearings for affected parties on November 24 and December 16, 2025. Representatives from the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque management committee, the Delhi Waqf Board, the DDA, and the Revenue Department attended these hearings. Despite a petition from the mosque committee, the MCD decided on December 22 to proceed with the demolition, which commenced at midnight on January 7, 2026.
Tensions escalated when demolition teams, accompanied by 17 bulldozers, arrived late at night. A large crowd gathered, initially chanting slogans before resorting to stone-pelting against the police. At least five officers, including Head Constable Jai Singh and Constable Vikram, were injured in the clashes. In response, authorities deployed tear gas to regain control of the situation.
The police filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Chandni Mahal police station, charging individuals with rioting and assaulting public servants. Five arrests were made, and a total of ten individuals were detained. Central Delhi Police Joint Commissioner Madhur Verma confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Central Delhi Operations Unit, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established, identifying around 50 suspects through CCTV and body camera footage.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi claimed that the property in question belongs to the Waqf and criticized the demolition process, arguing that the Delhi Waqf Board should have been included in the proceedings and that relevant gazette notifications should have been presented in court. He urged the Delhi Waqf Board and the mosque management committee to seek a status quo order from the Supreme Court.
Congress leader Salman Khurshid noted that the mosque remains intact and that no damage has occurred. However, he emphasized the need for dialogue before taking such actions, especially in harsh weather conditions.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grave concern over the demolition, likening it to past tragedies during the Emergency period.
Police have since deployed additional forces to monitor the area closely as the situation continues to develop.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What led to the violent clashes during the demolition near Turkman Gate?**
A: The clashes were triggered by a large-scale police operation to remove illegal encroachments, which faced resistance from a crowd that resorted to stone-pelting, resulting in injuries to several police officers.
