Stones, sirens and bulldozers: Inside Delhi’s explosive midnight demolition (In photos)

Several police personnel were injured after locals and miscreants allegedly pelted stones during an early-morning demolition drive in central Delhi. The operation began around 1 am and quickly turned violent, forcing police to intervene to control the situation.

At least four to five police officers sustained minor injuries during the stone-pelting incident. Officials said the injured personnel were on duty to provide security cover to the MCD team carrying out the demolition as per court orders.

Special Commissioner of Police Ravindra Yadav said police used minimal force to push back stone-pelting elements. He stressed that the action was taken strictly to maintain law and order during the demolition.

Additional police forces were deployed in the area anticipating resistance. DCP (Central) Nidhin Valsan said police were present solely to ensure security for the civic staff and prevent escalation of violence.

The demolition drive was conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi following Delhi High Court orders. The court had declared a dispensary and a community hall adjoining the mosque illegal and directed their removal.

Around 10 people have been detained for questioning so far. Police officials said four to five suspects have already been identified, and further arrests are likely after verification of evidence and footage.

The demolition focused on illegal constructions around the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area. Around 17 bulldozers were deployed as part of the operation, which continued despite resistance.

Delhi Police have registered an FIR against unidentified individuals involved in the attack. Authorities said strict legal action will be taken once all those responsible for pelting stones at police personnel are identified.

Investigators are scanning CCTV footage, ground visuals, and body-camera recordings worn by police officers to identify miscreants. Officials said digital evidence will play a key role in fixing responsibility.

What began as a routine demolition spiralled into chaos under the cover of darkness. With calm restored, police say the hunt for stone-pelters has begun and arrests will soon follow.