New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) Tensions flared up briefly in sections of Old Delhi in the early hours of Wednesday as a pre-dawn demolition initiative aimed at removing suspected illegal encroachments near a mosque sparked protests, stone-throwing incidents, and police intervention, according to officials.

The situation was subsequently brought under control through the deployment of tear gas and the reinforcement of security personnel.

The event transpired near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate vicinity, adjacent to Ramlila Ground, where authorities initiated a late-night anti-encroachment operation. As per officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the objective was to eliminate unauthorized structures from lands surrounding the mosque and nearby zones, following directives from the Delhi High Court.

The demolition operation commenced in the early morning hours, characterized by a notable presence of municipal staff and law enforcement. Officials reported that between 10 and 17 bulldozers were engaged as part of this initiative, which is a continuation of the MCD’s efforts to eliminate encroachments throughout the city.

As the demolitions were in progress, a significant number of local residents congregated outside the mosque, chanting slogans and protesting the actions being taken.

The atmosphere rapidly escalated when certain individuals from the crowd allegedly breached police barricades and initiated stone pelting at security forces. In response, police deployed tear gas shells to disperse the demonstrators and contain the unrest.

Senior law enforcement officials indicated that sufficient forces had been stationed in the vicinity in anticipation of potential resistance, and the situation was quickly stabilized. Fortunately, no significant injuries were reported, although security measures were heightened as a precaution.

The demolition proceeded despite ongoing legal disputes concerning the site.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Delhi High Court had issued a notice regarding a petition submitted by the managing committee of Masjid Syed Elahi, challenging the MCD’s decision to remove what it referred to as alleged encroachments from land adjacent to the mosque and a nearby graveyard at Ramlila Maidan. Civic authorities, however, insisted that the operation was conducted in compliance with court orders related to unauthorized constructions.

Local residents expressed strong disapproval of the drive, asserting that the demolition was executed without proper consultation and would negatively impact the community. Civic officials reaffirmed that the operation was lawful and aimed at reclaiming public land.