Delhi Demolition Chaos: Stone-Pelting Near Mosque Injures Police, 5 Held

• Violent clash erupted during an anti-encroachment drive near Syed Faiz Ilahi Mosque in Ramlila Maidan, Delhi, involving local residents, MCD officials, and police.
• Stone-pelting by 25-30 people injured at least five police personnel; tear gas was used to control the situation, and five accused have been taken into custody.
• The MCD claims only 0.195 acres of land were leased for the mosque in 1940, with the demolition targeting adjacent encroached land, while petitioners cite Waqf Board rent.
• MCD had announced the demolition in December following a High Court order, stating no legal possession documents were provided by the mosque committee or Waqf Board.
• The Delhi High Court is currently hearing a petition from the mosque committee, with the next hearing scheduled for April 22, asking MCD, Ministry of Urban Development, and Waqf Board for responses.

Why It Matters: Delhi demolition drive near a mosque led to stone-pelting, injuring police; legal dispute ongoing.