Why did 17 bulldozers descend on Turkman Gate at midnight? Encroachment, court order and uproar, what happened after all? , Delhi Turkman Gate Demolition Drive Faiz E Ilahi Mosque Court Order Timeline

New Delhi: The sudden demolition drive that took place in the historic Turkman Gate area of ​​Delhi on the morning of 7 January caught the attention of the entire city. Heavy police force, bulldozers, traffic diversion and subsequent stone pelting near Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque – all this raised many questions. The biggest question is why was this demolition necessary and why was it completed before morning?

Why was there a need for demolition at Turkman Gate?

According to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), this demolition was done after the explicit order of the Delhi High Court. The court had given instructions to remove illegal encroachments and unauthorized construction around the mosque. Officials say that these structures were not only illegal, but could also pose a threat to security and law and order. That is, this action was not the result of any pressure or political decision, but was a legal compulsion.

breaking | Massive action by Delhi MCD and Police…

In a mid night action, MCD has begun demolishing illegal construction near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque at Turkman Gate, Ramlila maidan using 17 bulldozers.

Protests by Muslims escalated into stone-pelting at police, forcing the… pic.twitter.com/O87lL9ndn8

— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) January 7, 2026

Why was the operation completed before sunrise?

According to officials, the demolition operation was started before sunrise so that there is minimum inconvenience to the common people, there is no traffic jam and the possibility of any major conflict can be prevented. For this reason the police reached the area in the night itself. According to police officials, the purpose of taking action early in the morning was to prevent crowd gathering, to have less impact on traffic and to avoid any major conflict. For this reason, the police reached the area at night itself and the operation was completed before sunrise.

What security arrangements were made?

To maintain law and order, the entire area was divided into 9 zones. Each zone was monitored by Additional DCP rank officers. Apart from this, additional police forces in sensitive areas, meetings with peace committees and local people, traffic diversion and barricades – all these steps had already been taken.

VIDEO | Delhi: MCD carries out demolition drive against illegal encroachment near Faiz-e-Elahi mosque, Turkman Gate.#DelhiNews#TurkmanGate

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/wXSFi4lfA9

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 7, 2026

What suddenly went wrong during the demolition?

When around 17 to 30 bulldozers were demolishing illegal structures near the mosque, a small group of 25-30 people allegedly started pelting stones. Police had to use tear gas to control the situation. Five policemen were slightly injured in this incident. There was chaos for some time but the situation soon came under control.

#WATCH Delhi: Video from the area near Faiz-e-Ilahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, where MCD removed encroachment this morning on the directions of Delhi High Court.

Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, Madhur Verma said, “During the demolition, some miscreants tried to create disturbance by pelting stones… pic.twitter.com/nIrqHQFxWM

— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) January 7, 2026

What structures were demolished?

According to the MCD, the encroachments included:

• road and sidewalk sections
• a wedding house
• parking area
• A private diagnostic/dispensary

However, officials clarified that the original 0.195 acre land of the mosque was not touched.

VIDEO | Delhi: DCP Nidhin Valsan on demolition drive against illegal encroachment near Faiz-e-Elahi mosque, Turkman Gate, says, “About 25-30 people were involved in stone pelting on police teams in which five policemen sustained minor injuries. We had to use tear gas to control… pic.twitter.com/I40xzyWCfQ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 7, 2026

What is the legal dispute regarding this land?

The managing committee of the mosque has claimed that this land is Waqf property and they are paying rent to the Waqf Board. MCD says that no valid document related to the lease was presented. As per the court order, it was mandatory to remove the encroachment. Delhi High Court has issued notices to MCD, DDA, PWD, Ministry of Urban Development and Waqf Board. Reply has been sought from all parties within four weeks. The next hearing of the case has been fixed for April 22.

Why were traffic diversions and strict warnings given?

Due to demolition, traffic diversion was implemented in Central Delhi from 8 am. Commuters were advised to avoid Ramlila Maidan and surrounding roads. Also, Delhi Police clearly warned that not only challan but even FIR can be registered for wrong side driving, dangerous speed, ignoring rules.

Stone pelting incident: What could have made the situation worse?

Stones were pelted by a small group during the demolition, resulting in minor injuries to five policemen. However, the police immediately brought the situation under control using restraint and minimum force. Officials say that if strictness was shown, the situation could have worsened, hence maintaining peace remained the priority.