New Delhi: Delhi Police will identify those involved in the stone-pelting incident outside the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area by analysing footage from police body cameras and nearby CCTV cameras. Officials said an FIR in the case will be registered soon.

The incident occurred during a demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi near the mosque in the early hours of January 7, 2025, following directions issued by the Delhi High Court.

During the operation, a few people allegedly tried to disrupt the process by pelting stones. Police intervened immediately and said the situation was brought under control without major escalation. While police initially stated that no injuries were reported, PTI later reported that at least five police personnel were injured in the clash.

The civic body removed encroachments spread across nearly 4,000 square metres, using 32 JCBs. To ensure that the demolition was conducted smoothly and peacefully, Delhi Police made elaborate arrangements in advance.

“In order to ensure smooth conduct of the demolition programme and to maintain public order, comprehensive law and order arrangements were put in place by Delhi Police. The entire area was meticulously divided into nine zones, each placed under the supervision of an officer of the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. Adequate deployment of police force was made at all sensitive points,” an official statement from Delhi Police said.

Police officials said several meetings had been held with members of the Aman Committee and local residents before the demolition in order to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incident. Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range) Madhur Verma said that while some miscreants attempted to create trouble, the police used only measured and minimal force to control the situation and restore normalcy. Deputy Commissioner Vivek Agarwal added that the police teams handled the situation effectively.

What Delhi Police is planning next

Delhi police will soon begin examining footage from body cameras as well as CCTV cameras to identify those involved in the stone pelting. Officials said they remain committed to maintaining law and order and to ensuring that court directions are implemented in a lawful and sensitive manner.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to clear the demolition waste.