Overview
- Demolition teams removed identified encroachments such as a banquet hall and a dispensary, while officials said the mosque structure and the 0.195-acre leased parcel were not touched.
- The drive began around 1–1:30 am despite an earlier plan to start at 8 am, drawing crowds and protests at Turkman Gate in Old Delhi.
- Police reported stone pelting by a small group, used tear gas to disperse the crowd, and said at least five personnel sustained minor injuries as Rapid Action Force units stood by.
- An FIR has been registered and about ten people have been detained, with investigators reviewing CCTV, body-camera and drone footage to identify additional suspects and verify circulating videos.
- The mosque managing committee’s challenge to the MCD order is pending after the High Court issued notices on January 6, with the matter listed for April 22.