New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) BJP leaders on Wednesday vehemently criticized the stone-pelting incident that occurred during a demolition operation near a mosque in Old Delhi, emphasizing that the action was executed strictly against encroachments as per a High Court ruling. They stated that those who instigated chaos and attacked law enforcement must face strict legal consequences.

The incident transpired near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate vicinity, adjacent to the Ramlila Ground, where the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) initiated an anti-encroachment campaign to dismantle unauthorized structures from land adjacent to the mosque and surrounding areas, adhering to directives issued by the Delhi High Court on November 12, 2025.

As the demolition commenced, a significant number of local residents congregated outside the mosque, chanting slogans and protesting against the operation. The situation escalated rapidly when some individuals from the crowd attempted to breach police barricades and began hurling stones at the security forces stationed at the site.

Reacting to the situation, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal informed IANS, “I have been briefed by officials that this was a High Court directive. The authorities removed encroachments from government property. I reside in Old Delhi, and the local populace is peace-loving. The removal was conducted strictly in accordance with the law and the High Court ruling.”

“The local police are thoroughly investigating the situation, and appropriate actions will be taken based on CCTV evidence. The police are monitoring the developments closely,” he added.

Minister Ashish Sood termed the event unfortunate, reiterating that the demolition was executed strictly following court orders. “This is an unfortunate episode. Action was taken against illegal establishments near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in strict compliance with court directives, yet some anti-social elements protested and resorted to stone-pelting, which is intolerable,” Sood remarked to reporters.

“The mosque is entirely safe, and the government has no involvement in the actions, which are court-directed. Those who engage in violence will face legal repercussions, and the public is encouraged to identify instigators who provoke such acts, as innocent youths ultimately bear the legal consequences,” he added.

Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also emphasized that the actions were rooted in judicial orders. “These are mandates from the High Court, and they are being enforced. Those who engage in such activities are in the wrong, and the police must take appropriate action against them. Whether it is a High Court or Supreme Court order, it is the responsibility of law enforcement and the government to uphold it,” he stated.

In a statement to IANS, Delhi Assembly Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht asserted that unauthorized encroachments must be eliminated regardless of their type. “Certainly, action should be taken against unauthorized encroachments, and such structures must be removed. If illegal constructions of mosques or wedding venues have been established in areas like Ramlila Ground, the significance of the location must be respected, and such actions should definitely be pursued,” he noted.

Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh asserted that any encroachment must be dismantled. “There is no question of caste, community, or religious sentiments in this matter. Anything that causes inconvenience to individuals or society must be addressed and removed,” he told IANS.

In the meantime, police have filed an FIR under provisions related to rioting, assault on a government official, and obstruction of a public servant in the execution of their official duties.

The authorities stated that ten individuals have been identified and detained, with ongoing searches to locate others allegedly involved in the violence.

Further information on the case is awaited.