New Delhi | Prime Headlines:
A demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid at Turkman Gate in Old Delhi early Wednesday led to protests and incidents of stone-pelting, prompting heavy deployment of security forces.
According to the police, Rapid Action Force (RAF) units and multiple Delhi Police battalions were deployed in the area to control the situation. During the clashes, four to five police personnel sustained minor injuries, officials said.
The demolition action reportedly targeted structures near the mosque, which is believed to be over a century old. Tensions rose quickly as local residents gathered at the site, objecting to the civic body’s move.
Security Sensitivity
The area has remained under heightened security following a recent terror incident. Police sources said the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid was among the places visited by Dr Umar Un Nabi, the suicide bomber involved in the November 10 blast near the Red Fort. The attacker had reportedly visited the mosque hours before the explosion.
The blast, caused by an i20 car explosion near the Red Fort, killed at least 15 people, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the area in recent years.
Situation Under Control
Authorities said the situation was later brought under control, and additional forces were kept on standby to prevent further unrest. The police have urged people to maintain peace and not spread rumours.
An investigation into both the demolition-related violence and the earlier blast is ongoing.
