Sat Jan 10 01:51:37 UTC 2026: # Turkman Gate Demolition Drive Sparks Violence, Leads to Arrests and Judicial Custody
The Story:
A demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid at Turkman Gate in New Delhi triggered violent clashes on January 8-9, 2026. Authorities initiated the action against alleged encroachment in the area, resulting in stone-pelting incidents targeting police personnel and MCD workers. As of January 10, 2026, police have apprehended 13 individuals, including a juvenile, in connection with the violence. A Delhi court has remanded eight people to 12-day judicial custody.
Key Points:
- The demolition drive targeted alleged encroachment in the Turkman Gate area near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid.
- Violence erupted during the drive, with reports of stone-pelting and injuries to six police personnel.
- Eight accused individuals were remanded to judicial custody until January 21, 2026.
- Five other accused sought bail, alleging assault by jail officers. The court has requested medical records and issued a notice to the Delhi Police.
- Delhi Police have invoked Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with other provisions related to rioting.
- Police claim arrests were made based on identification by constables and CCTV footage.
- MCD Deputy Commissioner Vivek Kumar stated that approximately 36,000 square feet of encroached area was cleared, and clarified that the mosque was not damaged.
Key Takeaways:
- Anti-encroachment drives in densely populated areas can be a flashpoint for communal tensions and violence.
- Social media can play a significant role in escalating such situations by spreading misinformation.
- The swift legal response, including judicial custody and the invocation of stringent laws, highlights the authorities’ intent to maintain law and order.
- Allegations of assault within jail premises raise concerns about the treatment of detainees and the need for impartial investigations.
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