At least 10 Muslim men were detained in India’s capital early Wednesday after tensions flared during a demolition drive near a century-old mosque in Old Delhi, prompting clashes with police and the use of tear gas.
The operation took place near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate–Ramlila Maidan area, a densely populated and historic Muslim neighbourhood. Authorities said the drive targeted what they described as illegal structures on encroached land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard.
Police claimed a group of around 25 to 30 people pelted stones at security personnel during the operation, injuring five officers. Tear gas shells were fired to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
A senior police official said the demolition was carried out at night to minimise disruption, adding that order was restored shortly afterwards.
Night operation under heavy security
The demolition was conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) following directions from the Delhi High Court. Officials said nearly 20 bulldozers were deployed, alongside a heavy police presence.
Police said the area was divided into multiple security zones, with senior officers stationed at what were described as sensitive points. Authorities also claimed that coordination meetings had been held in advance with local representatives and mosque committee members to prevent unrest.
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Despite this, police alleged that a small group attempted to disrupt the operation. An FIR was registered against unidentified individuals under sections related to rioting, assault on public servants and obstruction of official duty. Ten people were detained for questioning, with further action expected after reviewing CCTV footage and body-worn camera recordings.
The MCD said the mosque itself was not damaged and insisted that only unauthorised commercial structures, including a banquet hall, a diagnostic centre and a dispensary, were demolished.
Delhi mayor Raja Iqbal Singh said the action was carried out strictly in accordance with court orders and that debris clearance was ongoing.
Local residents, however, expressed concern about the adjoining graveyard, which they say holds deep religious and emotional significance for the Muslim community.
“We are not opposing the removal of illegal shops,” said a member of the mosque management committee, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Our fear is about the graveyard. Once demolition starts, there is always a risk that sacred land will be affected.”
Legal challenge ongoing
The demolition comes amid ongoing legal proceedings. On Tuesday, hours before the operation, the Delhi High Court sought responses from several authorities, including the MCD, the Delhi Development Authority, the Public Works Department and the Delhi Waqf Board.
The case was filed by the managing committee of Masjid Syed Faiz Elahi, which challenged the removal of alleged encroachments from land adjoining the mosque and graveyard.
The committee told the court it does not oppose the removal of genuine encroachments but is seeking protection for the graveyard area, which it says lies beyond the officially recognised 0.195-acre plot.
According to the petition, the mosque and adjoining structures are more than 100 years old and stand on land registered under the Delhi Waqf Board, for which lease fees are regularly paid.
Justice Amit Bansal said the matter required consideration and directed the authorities to file their replies within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for April 22.
Background to the action
The MCD’s move followed a notice issued on December 22, 2025, stating that any structures beyond the 0.195-acre area — which includes the mosque — were illegal due to a lack of documentary proof of ownership.
The notice stemmed from a November 12, 2025 High Court order granting authorities three months to clear nearly 38,940 square feet of what it described as encroachments near Ramlila Ground, close to Turkman Gate.
Demolition drives in Muslim-majority areas have drawn growing scrutiny in India in recent years, with Muslim groups and rights organisations alleging that such actions disproportionately target Muslim religious spaces and neighbourhoods.
Police said normalcy had largely returned to the area, though tensions remain high as the legal battle continues.
