Turkman Gate Demolition Clash Erupts in Pre-Dawn Drive
Tension erupted in Old Delhi’s Turkman Gate Early Wednesday as the Turkman Gate demolition clash unfolded during a pre-dawn anti-encroachment operation. MCD teams arrived at 1:30 am—hours before the scheduled 8 am start—and began clearing structures near Masjid Syed Elahi. Local videos showed bulldozers razing parts of the area while police secured key points. Other clips showed police firing tear-gas shells as residents pelted stones, escalating the demolition clash. At least five police officers were injured during the unrest.
Police Contain Turkman Gate Demolition Clash
Delhi Police moved quickly to control the situation during the Turkman Gate demolition clash. Joint CP Madhur Verma said officers divided the area into nine zones, each supervised by an Additional DCP. Over ten companies of Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force were deployed to maintain order. Officials also met local leaders and the Aman Committee to prevent escalation. Despite these efforts, some protesters threw stones, prompting police to use tear gas and batons to restore calm.
Court Directive Sparks Anti-Encroachment Drive at Turkman Gate
The MCD launched the drive after a High Court directive in November 2025, which eventually led to the Turkman Gate demolition clash. The court ordered MCD and PWD to clear 38,940 sq ft of encroachments at Ramlila Ground near Turkman Gate. A joint survey identified illegal extensions, including parts of a road, banquet hall, car park, and diagnostics centre. On December 22, 2025, MCD issued notices rejecting ownership claims beyond 0.195 acres near the mosque. Officials said the managing committee and Delhi Waqf Board could not produce valid documents, creating the legal basis for the clash.
Residents React to Turkman Gate Demolition Clash
Many residents stayed indoors as the Turkman Gate demolition clash unfolded. A 32-year-old shopkeeper near the mosque told Zoom Chronicle News that he and his family stayed awake all night. “People threw stones, and police fired tear gas. We didn’t leave our home,” he said. Calm returned by morning, but locals remain cautious. Police continue monitoring the area as tensions persist and legal disputes around the demolition progress.
