Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Clashes Erupt During Delhi Mosque Demolition
In Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and police carried out a demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque in Turkman Gate.
The drive was ordered by the Delhi High Court to remove illegal encroachments.
As the demolition began, some residents threw stones at the officials, and the police used tear gas to control the situation.
Five police personnel were injured.
The MCD used 17 bulldozers to clear the encroachments, which included a banquet hall and a dispensary.
The mosque's managing committee had disputed the encroachment, claiming they were paying rent for the land.
The police maintained heavy deployment to ensure safety and control the situation.
The MCD and Delhi Police carried out a demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque in Turkman Gate, Delhi, as per Delhi High Court orders.
Clashes erupted as some residents threw stones at the officials, leading to the police using tear gas and minimal force to control the situation.
Five police personnel were injured during the clashes, and the situation was eventually brought under control.
The demolition involved 17 bulldozers and targeted a banquet hall and a dispensary, which were deemed illegal encroachments.
The mosque's managing committee had disputed the encroachment, claiming they were paying rent for the land, but the court upheld the demolition.
- Who
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Police, and local residents near Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque
- What
- Demolition of illegal encroachments near the mosque and subsequent clashes
- When
- January 7, 2026, early morning
- Where
- Turkman Gate, Old Delhi
- Why
- To comply with Delhi High Court orders to remove encroachments
MCD and Delhi Police
Local Residents and Mosque Committee
Legality of the Land
MCD and Delhi Police
The land is encroached upon and the demolition is lawful as per the Delhi High Court's orders.
Local Residents and Mosque Committee
The mosque's managing committee claims they were paying rent for the land, disputing the encroachment.
Use of Force
MCD and Delhi Police
The police used tear gas and minimal force to control the situation, which they deemed necessary to maintain order.
Local Residents and Mosque Committee
Residents argue that the use of tear gas and force was excessive and unnecessary, causing tension and fear.
- Location
- Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque, Turkman Gate, Old Delhi
- Action Taken
- Demolition of illegal encroachments near the mosque
- Land Size
- 38,940 square feet
- Court Involvement
- Delhi High Court directed the demolition
- Police Action
- Heavy deployment, tear gas used, minimal force applied
- Injuries
- Five police personnel injured
- Number of Bulldozers
- 17
- Time of Demolition
- Early morning, January 7, 2026
Sources
UP: Sambhal administration removes ‘illegal’ portions of three houses built on pond land
Delhi HC issues notices on plea against removal of structures from land adjoining Faiz Elahi mosque
Pre-dawn demolition near Turkman Gate mosque triggers tension in Old Delhi; normalcy after ‘minimal’ force, say cops
MCD likely to demolish encroachments around ‘100-year-old’ Faiz Elahi mosque today
8 structures demolished,1 property sealed in Gurgaon in crackdown against assets acquired through illegal means: Police
Tensions Flare In Old Delhi After MCD Carries Out Pre-Dawn Demolition Drive Near Turkman Gate Mosque
Clashes Erupt Over Demolition Near Delhi Mosque, 5 Cops Injured
Tension Erupts At Delhi’s Turkman Gate During MCD Demolition Drive; Stones Pelted, Tear Gas Fired
Delhi Demolition Drive: Why Was This Necessary and What Happened? Timeline and Reasons Explained
UP govt demolishes mosque and houses in Sambhal amid illegal land encroachment row - Telegraph India
MCD drive near Old Delhi mosque triggers protests, police use tear gas
Five Cops Injured as Demolition Drive Turns Violent Near Delhi Mosque
Cops injured at anti-encroachment drive near Delhi mosque
Locals Clash With Police Amid Court-Ordered Demolition Drive Near Delhi Mosque