Protests Erupt In Delhi's Mangolpuri Area Over Demolition At Mosque — On Cam

The demolition drive was undertaken by the civic body at a municipal park in Y Block of Mangolpuri against an illegally extended boundary wall of the mosque.

Locals protest as the MCD carries out a demolition drive in the northwest Delhi's Mangolpuri area. ( Image Source :PTI )

Protests erupted in Northwest Delhi's Mangolpuri area on Tuesday, where a portion of a mosque was demolished due to alleged encroachment, amid heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces, PTI reported.

The demolition drive had to be halted after the situation escalated as a large mob gathered, forming a human chain to obstruct the entry of JCBs into the area, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said in a statement.

Visuals from the demolition showed a huge mob gathered near the Mosque raising slogans in the presence of police personnel. 

VIDEO | Locals protest as MCD carries out anti-encroachment drive in Delhi's Mangolpuri area amid heavy police presence. pic.twitter.com/cLiYEhe7gf

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 25, 2024

The presence of women protesters, who sat on the unauthorised structure, complicated the law and order situation in the area, the MCD statement said.

The demolition drive was undertaken by the civic body at a municipal park in Y Block of Mangolpuri against an illegally extended boundary wall of the mosque, the officials said.

The MCD removed 20 metres of the unauthorised structure but the situation escalated after a large mob and women protesters gathered at the site objecting to the demolition, the statement said.

"Despite the diligent efforts, the authorities were unable to safely disperse the crowd. In light of these developments, the police advised the MCD to temporarily halt the encroachment removal operation to maintain peace and order. A status report regarding this issue has been filed with the Delhi High Court," the statement read.

"The initiative was part of our (MCD's) ongoing efforts to address unauthorised religious encroachments and uphold the integrity of public spaces," the civic body said.

According to police officials, there were some allegations regarding stone pelting at a journalist during the demolition drive but no official complaint has been filed regarding the matter so far.

"We are waiting. If he (journalist) gives any complaint, we will further proceed with the matter," a senior police officer told PTI.

The local police and five companies of paramilitary personnel reached Mangolpuri's Y block in the morning to demolish illegal encroachment at the mosque. As the demolition drive started at 6 am, locals gathered at the spot and started protesting, an officer said.