A pre-dawn demolition exercise near Delhi’s historic Turkman Gate turned volatile early Wednesday after violence broke out during an anti-encroachment operation carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The sudden escalation led to injuries among police personnel and forced authorities to impose tight security across the area.

The demolition drive, which began shortly after midnight, targeted structures located near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque complex. Officials said the action was undertaken to clear constructions identified as illegal following judicial directions. As earth-moving machines moved in, resistance erupted, with sections of the crowd allegedly resorting to stone pelting.

At least five police personnel were injured in the clash, including the Station House Officer of Chandni Mahal police station, who sustained serious injuries while attempting to control the situation. Police responded by using tear gas to disperse the crowd and secure the area.

Authorities detained more than ten individuals in connection with the violence. Investigators are now reviewing footage from body-worn cameras used by police officers during the operation, along with CCTV recordings from nearby streets, to identify those involved in the attack.

Senior police officials said extensive planning had preceded the drive, including coordination with local peace committees and community representatives. Despite these measures, the situation spiralled briefly before being brought under control.

According to officials, the dispute centres on a baraat ghar and a diagnostic facility adjacent to the mosque, which the administration claims were constructed on public land without authorisation. Representatives of the mosque committee, however, have challenged this claim, arguing that parts of the complex are decades old and historically significant.