Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi’s name on Wednesday surfaced in the violence that erupted in Delhi's Turkman Gate area. Police will question him in connection with the stone-pelting incident during the demolition drive. Reacting to the development, Mohibullah Nadvi said, "I am not aware of any high court order requiring the removal of encroachments. We were still discussing the mosque's area and whether or not there was any encroachment. Meanwhile, I received news last night that the mosque had been surrounded by security forces."
Mohibullah Nadvi reacts to development
The SP MP further said, "Earlier, a mosque in Mehrauli had disappeared overnight. I had raised my voice against it in Parliament. When I heard the news about Turkman Gate, I was worried that people might get out of control, so I went to the spot. When I went there, I appealed to the people to go to their homes. There is also a video in which I am asking people to remain calm."
Five people detained in connection with violence
Earlier in the day, Delhi Police registered an FIR and detained five people in connection with the violence that erupted during an anti-encroachment drive near the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan area.
At least five police personnel were injured after some people allegedly pelted stones and glass bottles at the force when the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was carrying out a court-mandated demolition on land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard.
Tear gas shells were fired to disperse the crowd
Tear gas shells were fired to disperse the crowd and restore order. The police said five people were detained for questioning and to cross check with CCTV footage.
While efforts are on to identify those involved in the stone-pelting incident, police is also probing whether the violence was spontaneous or a pre-planned attempt to disrupt the demolition drive, the official added.
CCTV footage and video clips are being analysed
Senior police officers said CCTV footage and video clips circulating on social media are being analysed to identify the miscreants. Statements of witnesses and detained persons are also being recorded as part of the investigation.
The FIR has been registered against Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 221 (Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 132 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 121 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 191 (Rioting), 223 (A) (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 3(5) (Joint liability) and provisions of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque was not damaged
Meanwhile, the MCD clarified that Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque was not damaged during the demolition drive. The civic body said the demolition drive was carried out in compliance with directions of the Delhi High Court.
As part of the operation, around 30 bulldozers and 50 dumpers were deployed to clear encroachments and remove debris from the site, it said. Over 300 MCD workers and officials were engaged in the drive, which continued through the night, MCD officials said.
The demolition resulted in the clearance of a large encroached area, including structures that had been declared illegal by the court. The police said law and order arrangements remain in place in the area as a precautionary measure.
Violence will not be tolerated: Ashish Sood
Meanwhile, Delhi Home minister Ashish Sood said stone pelting during removal of encroachment near Faiz-e-Elahi mosque in Turkman Gate area of walled city, was "unfortunate" and warned that violence will not be tolerated.
Certain "criminal and mischievous elements" resorted to demonstrations and violence, which cannot be tolerated, he said, adding that individuals involved in the incident have been identified, and legal action is being taken against them. So far, five people have been caught in this case, he said.
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Five cops injured as stones pelted during demolition drive near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, 10 detained
