The Delhi Police have identified 30 individuals in connection with a stone-pelting incident that broke out during a demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque at Turkman Gate in the early hours of Wednesday.
Police released photographs of the suspected individuals on Thursday. The images, sourced from CCTV cameras and video footage captured at the scene, show several masked men present during the clashes. Raids are underway to detain those identified, officials said.
The demolition began late Tuesday night following directions to clear encroachments around the century-old mosque. As the operation commenced, a crowd gathered at the site and some individuals allegedly began hurling stones. Police responded by using tear gas to disperse the crowd. Five people were detained on Wednesday, while five police personnel sustained injuries during the incident.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Senior police officials said additional evidence is being collected through body-worn cameras used by personnel and videography from the spot. Authorities maintained that minimal force was used and assured that legal action would be taken against those involved in the violence.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and other parties after the managing committee of Masjid Syed Elahi challenged the decision to remove encroachments in the area.
Following the court&rsquo;s intervention, civic authorities deployed 32 bulldozers at the site. Security arrangements were intensified, with additional senior officers, hundreds of local police personnel, and multiple companies of paramilitary forces deployed to maintain law and order during the drive.

Stone-pelting near Delhi mosque caught on camera

Police identify 30 suspects after clashes during a court-ordered demolition

Stone-pelting near Delhi mosque caught on camera

Police identify 30 suspects after clashes during a court-ordered demolition

January 8, 2026 | 19:10 IST