Delhi Minister Ashish Sood reiterated today that the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area is ‘intact.’ The minister assured that the mosque stands there with full respect. “These are sensitive matters. I would request the public to let the police conduct their investigation. I would like to reiterate that the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque is intact…It stands there with full respect,” Sood told reporters.
A stone-pelting incident was reported yesterday during a demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area, close to the Ramlila Ground. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had launched an anti-encroachment operation to remove unauthorised structures from land adjoining the mosque and nearby areas, in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court on November 12, 2025.
Minister Ashish Sood described the incident as unfortunate and stressed that the Delhi government has no role to play in the demolition drive that has been conducted in the area. The minister underlined that the demolition was based on judicial orders. “The Delhi government has no role in this; this action was taken to remove land mafia on the orders of the court,” he said.
He further said that the issue must not be politicised. He appealed to the citizens of the area to stay away from rumours. He added, “People are urged to identify miscreants who incite such acts, as innocent youths ultimately suffer legal consequences.”
#WATCH | Stone-pelting incident near Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque | Delhi | Delhi government minister Ashish Sood says, “These are sensitive matters…I would request the public to let the police conduct their investigation. I would like to reiterate that the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque is… pic.twitter.com/XgMZWl5sTf
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2026
Meanwhile, authorities have again started the anti-encroachment demolition drive near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid at Turkman Gate, amid heavy police deployment in the area.
#WATCH | Delhi | Demolition drive begins again near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate. A demolition drive was carried out by the MCD here on 6th January.
Five people were arrested in connection with the stone pelting incident that took place on 6th January, during the… pic.twitter.com/avp5YYz0sp
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2026
‘Guilty will be punished’
Delhi Minister Ashish Sood restated the Delhi government’s stance that strict punishment will be given to those found guilty in the stone pelting incident. He assured that those responsible for creating chaos and attacking security personnel will be dealt with firmly under the law.
“The guilty will be punished, and some of them have also been arrested,” he said.
What happened at Turkman Gate
According to the police, around 25-30 people pelted stones at the police and MCD officials after they arrived with JCBs at the Turkman Gate for the demolition drive.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Central District, Nidhin Valsan has confirmed that five police personnel had suffered minor injuries in the incident.
“Last night, MCD staff came here with JCBs. We had informed about the court’s order to the people. Around 150 people gathered here. People were curious to know what was happening. We advised them to leave the site. 25-30 people started pelting stones at the police. In retaliation, we had to use force. After pushing them back, we started the demolition. Five police officers were injured during the stone pelting. Their injuries are minor in nature,” DCP Valsan said.
| Delhi News | Tension flared near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in #OldDelhi’s Turkman Gate area during an MCD demolition drive against unauthorised structures, where stone-pelting left at least five security personnel injured. The police later filed an FIR and detained 10 people… pic.twitter.com/PoiBeN0kAV
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) January 7, 2026
A FIR has been registered under sections related to rioting, assault on a government servant and obstruction of a public servant in the discharge of official duties.
DCP Nidhin Valsan said, “We have registered an FIR and after that formed a special team. The FIR has been transferred to the Operations Unit of Central Delhi. We have appointed an inspector from the special staff as the special investigator, who is being supported by a team of 4 sub-inspectors.”
So far, five people have been arrested in connection with the stone pelting case. The police are examining CCTV camera footage from the area to identify those who were involved in escalating the disruption and creating chaos. As a precautionary measure, drone cameras were deployed yesterday. Also, searches are being conducted to trace others allegedly involved in the violence.