Midnight Demolition at Turkman Gate in Delhi Leads to Unrest

The Delhi Municipal Corporation carried out a demolition drive at Turkman Gate in Delhi in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming it was part of an operation to clear encroachments. Bulldozers and JCB machines arrived at the site around 1 a m and began razing structures even before dawn.

The sudden action sparked protests by local residents and shopkeepers, following which the police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Stone-pelting incidents were also reported during the confrontation.

Officials said the demolition was carried out in compliance with a Delhi High Court order to remove illegal constructions near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque. Turkman Gate is a densely commercial area with numerous shops. All structures adjacent to the Syed Ilahi Mosque were cleared as part of the operation.

As the demolition began, a large crowd gathered outside the mosque, raising slogans against the action. All roads leading to the mosque were sealed with police barricades, and tight security has been deployed in the area to prevent further unrest.