Digital Desk, New Delhi. The story behind the violent clash that took place during the removal of encroachment in Turkman Gate area of Delhi on Tuesday night was going on in the courts and government files for several months.
In the ongoing dispute regarding the land adjacent to Syed Faiz Ilahi Mosque, the situation went out of control when the local people started pelting stones during the Municipal Corporation's action.
5 policemen were injured in this clash, the police had to use tear gas and till now 5 accused have been detained.
What, when and how happened?
November 2025-Big order of High Court
Delhi High Court ordered removal of encroachment from about 39,000 square feet of land near Ramlila Maidan located at Turkman Gate. The court asked MCD and PWD to remove structures like roads, footpaths, banquet halls, parking, private diagnostic centers built in the area.
The mosque management committee challenged the order in the High Court. Claimed that this land is a notified Waqf property and only the Waqf Tribunal has jurisdiction over it. It was said that they have also been paying lease rent to the Waqf Board. The committee said that the banquet hall and clinic have already been closed, the objection is only regarding the cemetery.
MCD told the court that only 0.195 acres of land was given on lease for the mosque in 1940. There are no valid documents of possession of the remaining land adjacent to the mosque. In December the MCD announced that all structures beyond 0.195 acres were illegal and would be demolished.
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When MCD officials arrived to mark the encroached land, the local people started protesting. Seeing the situation worsening, additional police force was deployed in the area.
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6 January-High Court hearing
On the petition of the Mosque Committee, Delhi High Court sought response from MCD, Urban Development Ministry, Delhi Waqf Board within four weeks. The next hearing date was fixed for April 22.
January 7- Demolition action and uproar
MCD team reached the spot with 30 bulldozers and 50 dumper trucks. According to the police, around 25–30 people suddenly started pelting stones. In response, the police had to fire tear gas shells.
During this time a dispensary and a banquet hall were demolished. 5 policemen were injured in the clash. So far 5 accused have been detained. Police have said that FIR has been registered based on the statements of the injured employees and MCD personnel.
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