Delhi anti-encroachment drive near mosque turns violent, 5 police personnel injured

What happened: Five Delhi Police personnel were injured after an anti-encroachment demolition drive near a mosque in central Delhi escalated into violence.

Why it matters now: The incident raises fresh concerns over law and order during civic enforcement actions in sensitive urban zones.

What changes for people: Security has been tightened, traffic movement was briefly disrupted, and further civic action may face closer scrutiny.

Who is affected: Local residents, shopkeepers, commuters, and municipal authorities operating in the Ramlila Maidan–Turkman Gate area.

Violence erupts during early morning civic action

At least five Delhi Police personnel were injured on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in the Turkman Gate area, close to Ramlila Maidan, turned violent.

According to Delhi Police officials, tensions flared when civic teams moved in to remove illegal structures and temporary extensions from public land. A group of people allegedly objected to the demolition, leading to stone-pelting and physical clashes with the police deployed for security.

Police and MCD response

Senior police officers confirmed that the injured personnel were rushed to nearby hospitals and are out of danger. Additional police forces were deployed to bring the situation under control.

An MCD official said the drive was part of a routine enforcement action aimed at clearing encroachments that obstruct public movement and emergency access.

The official added that the demolition was carried out after prior notices, but acknowledged that resistance emerged during execution.

Area secured, situation under control

By mid-morning, authorities said the area had been secured, with patrolling intensified to prevent further flare-ups.

Police stated that CCTV footage and video evidence are being reviewed to identify those involved in the violence, and legal action is likely.

Traffic near Ramlila Maidan and Turkman Gate was briefly affected, though movement has since largely normalised, according to traffic police advisories.