The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out a midnight bulldozer action to remove illegal constructions in the Turkman Gate area of Delhi. The action, conducted under the orders of the High Court, was met with stone-pelting, resulting in injuries to five police personnel.
New Delhi: A major administrative action took place in the Turkman Gate area of the capital Delhi in the early hours of Wednesday. The Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) carried out a bulldozer operation to remove illegal constructions near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque. This campaign was conducted under the direction of the Delhi High Court. A large police force was deployed to maintain law and order during the operation, which took place near Ramlila Maidan. However, the situation escalated when some miscreants resorted to stone-pelting, injuring five police personnel.
Bulldozer Action Following High Court Orders
According to MCD officials, the action was taken entirely in accordance with judicial instructions. The Delhi High Court had issued clear orders to remove encroachments in the concerned area. Following this, the municipal corporation planned and decided to remove the illegal structures. The administration states that the campaign was not against any particular community, but against illegal construction. Removing structures built in violation of the rules was the main objective of the action.
Encroachments Removed Near Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque
The action was carried out in the vicinity of the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in Turkman Gate. Officials said that complaints of illegal construction had been received here for a long time. Temporary and permanent structures had been erected everywhere, which not only affected traffic but also raised security concerns. The MCD had issued notices earlier, but after the orders were not followed, it was finally forced to resort to bulldozer action.
Campaign Conducted with 17 Bulldozers
The MCD deployed around 17 bulldozers on the spot to remove the illegal structures. A large number of corporation employees were involved in this campaign, which began after midnight. Officials said that the decision to take action in the early hours was taken to avoid crowds and traffic in the morning. This ensured that the general public faced minimal inconvenience.
Heavy Police Deployment for Law and Order
Before the operation, the Delhi Police made extensive security arrangements. The entire area was divided into nine zones. The responsibility of each zone was assigned to an officer of the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Additional DCP). Additional forces were deployed at sensitive points. The police's objective was clear: to deal with any untoward situation immediately and maintain law and order.
Meetings Held with Aman Committee Prior to Action
According to the Delhi Police, several coordination meetings were held with local people and members of the Aman Committee before the action. The purpose of these meetings was to take people into confidence and maintain peace. The police clarified that the action was being taken on the orders of the court and required cooperation. Despite this, some anti-social elements tried to disrupt the atmosphere.
Stone-Pelting Leads to Chaos
During the removal of encroachments, some miscreants suddenly pelted stones at the police and administrative team. This created chaos at the scene. Five police personnel were injured in the stone-pelting. The injured were immediately given first aid. According to the police, the situation was quickly assessed and mild force was used to bring the situation under control.
Situation Brought Under Control Immediately
The Delhi Police said that despite the stone-pelting incident, the situation did not worsen significantly. Security forces quickly took charge and brought the situation under control. Throughout the campaign, it was ensured that no harm came to the general public. Normalcy was restored in the area within a short time.
Official Statement from Police
Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, Madhur Verma, stated that the Delhi Police is fully committed to maintaining law and order. He said that all judicial instructions are being implemented in a legal, professional and sensitive manner. The stone-pelting incident is unfortunate, but the police exercised restraint and brought the situation under control.
Indication of Strictness Against Illegal Construction
This action is being seen as an indication of strictness against illegal construction in Delhi. The administration says that the orders of the court will be followed in every case. No matter the challenge, the campaign to remove structures built against the rules will continue. Earlier also, encroachment removal actions have been taken in different areas of Delhi.
Mixed Reactions from Local Residents
The reaction of local residents to this action was mixed. Some people justified the compliance with the court order, while others questioned the timing and manner of the action. However, the administration says that no discrimination was made in the action taken under the law.
