Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi Spotted at Turkman Gate Demolition Site as Stones Pelted at Police

New Delhi: Tensions gripped Old Delhi early Wednesday morning after encroachments on a century-old mosque, Faiz-e-Ilahi, near Turkman Gate. 

Reportedly, the demolition carried out by civic authorities and law enforcement agencies was supposed to begin at 8 am, but started at 1.30 am instead. 

A political firestorm has erupted after revelations that a Samajwadi Party (SP) Member of Parliament was allegedly present at the site of a violent stone-pelting incident during a controversial demolition drive.

Presence of SP MP Mohibbullah Nadvi

According to the investigation, SP MP Mohibbullah Nadvi was reportedly spotted at the scene while an enforcement team was conducting a demolition of illegal structures. 

Republic TV's exclusive footage showcased that the MP was not just a bystander but was present exactly when the situation got out of control.

Witnesses indicate that as the demolition began, a mob started pelting stones at security forces and municipal workers. 

As per the videos which went viral on social media, bulldozers and earth-movers were seen razing parts of the mosque, as companies of police personnel kept watch, triggering protests by residents.

Amid ongoing unrest, the Delhi Police launched an investigation to identify the attackers using CCTV footage and body camera recordings from the scene. 

Police Injured

Delhi Police have detained five people in connection with the stone-pelting incident during the demolition drive. According to the police, around 25-30 people pelted stones at police and MCD officials after they arrived at the Turkman Gate with JCBs to demolish illegal encroachment on the court's order.

Five police personnel suffered minor injuries in the incident. They have been treated at the nearby hospital, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Central District, Nidhin Valsan said. Before the demolition drive, several coordination meetings were held with members of the Aman Committee and other local stakeholders to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents.

All possible preventive and confidence-building measures were undertaken, according to Central Range Joint Commissioner of Police, Madhur Verma. However, officials said a "few miscreants" attempted to create a disturbance by pelting stones, and the situation was promptly brought under control through "measured and minimal use of force." (With ANI Inputs)