Tear Gas, Bulldozers as MCD Carries Out Late-Night Demolition Drive Near Delhi’s Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque
📅 January 7, 2026
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary, The Vagabond News
New Delhi — A late-night demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near the historic Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque triggered chaos and confrontation, as bulldozers rolled in under heavy police presence and tear gas was fired to disperse protesting residents.
The operation began late Monday night in the Jangpura area of south Delhi, with civic officials citing the removal of “unauthorised structures” encroaching on public land. Residents and community members, however, accused authorities of carrying out the action abruptly, without adequate notice, and at a time designed to limit resistance.
Tear Gas Fired as Protests Escalate
As demolition teams moved in, locals gathered near the mosque and surrounding residential structures, attempting to block bulldozers and shouting slogans against the civic authorities. Police deployed in large numbers formed barricades and, as tensions escalated, fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Several residents reported injuries and breathing difficulties due to tear gas exposure. Video footage from the scene showed bulldozers advancing amid clouds of gas, flashing police lights, and residents pleading for the operation to stop.
“There was panic everywhere,” said a local resident. “People were sleeping when suddenly machines and police arrived.”
MCD Cites Court Orders
MCD officials defended the operation, saying the demolition was conducted in compliance with court directions and targeted illegal constructions near a protected structure.
“This was a lawful action,” an MCD official said. “The drive was planned and carried out as per orders. No religious structure was touched.”
Authorities stressed that the mosque itself was not demolished, but acknowledged that structures in its immediate vicinity were removed.
Community Anger and Political Reaction
Community leaders questioned the timing and manner of the drive, arguing that late-night demolitions heighten fear and undermine trust.
“Why at midnight?” asked one local representative. “If this is about law, why not transparency and dialogue?”
Opposition leaders condemned the operation, accusing the civic body and Delhi Police of excessive force. Some demanded an immediate halt to further demolitions and an independent inquiry into the use of tear gas against civilians.
The Delhi Police said force was used only after protesters turned aggressive and attempted to damage public property.
A Familiar Pattern in the Capital
The incident adds to a growing list of demolition drives in Delhi that have sparked controversy over due process, minority safety, and the use of heavy force. Over the past two years, similar operations have drawn criticism from civil rights groups and legal experts, particularly when conducted in densely populated or communally sensitive areas.
Urban policy analysts warn that while encroachment removal is legally permissible, the method of execution matters.
“Governance is not just about enforcement,” said an urban studies expert. “It’s about legitimacy.”
Situation Remains Tense
By early morning, the area was sealed off, with police maintaining a strong presence. Cleanup operations continued, while displaced residents assessed damage to their homes and belongings.
Authorities said the situation is under control, but locals fear further demolitions.
As dawn broke over south Delhi, the sight of debris near a centuries-old mosque underscored a deeper unease — not just about land and legality, but about power, process, and who bears the cost of sudden state action.
Sources: Reporting based on statements from MCD and Delhi Police, and coverage by PTI, ANI, and local Delhi media.
Tags:
Delhi Demolition, MCD, Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque, Urban Governance, Police Action, Tear Gas, Bulldozer Drive, South Delhi
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