30-35 people threw stones, snatched police loud hailer: FIR on Delhi violence
In a disturbing turn of events, a group of approximately 30-35 individuals allegedly resorted to violence during an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in Central Delhi’s Turkman Gate on Wednesday. According to an FIR lodged by a constable, the crowd pelted stones and even snatched a government loud-hailer from the hands of a police officer, causing damage to the equipment.
The incident occurred when MCD officials, accompanied by police personnel, arrived at the site to carry out a demolition drive against encroachments in the area. However, their efforts were met with resistance from a group of locals, who opposed the removal of structures that had been erected on public land. The situation quickly escalated, with the crowd turning violent and targeting the police and MCD officials.
As per the FIR, one person from the crowd snatched the loud-hailer from the constable’s hand and damaged it. The constable, in his complaint, stated that the group of 30-35 people threw stones at the police and MCD officials, posing a threat to their safety and well-being. The police were forced to intervene to restore order and prevent further violence.
In the aftermath of the incident, the police have arrested five individuals who were allegedly involved in the violence. However, efforts are still underway to identify and apprehend the remaining persons who participated in the stone-pelting and vandalism. The police are reviewing footage from CCTV cameras in the area and gathering eyewitness accounts to piece together the events of that day.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of public officials and the rule of law in the city. The MCD’s anti-encroachment drive is aimed at removing unauthorized structures that have been erected on public land, often in violation of zoning regulations and municipal laws. However, such drives often face resistance from local residents and traders, who may have invested significant amounts of money in these structures.
The use of violence to resist the demolition drive is unacceptable and undermines the authority of the state. It is the duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order and protect public officials who are carrying out their duties. The incident highlights the need for a more effective and coordinated approach to dealing with encroachments and unauthorized structures in the city.
In recent years, Delhi has witnessed several instances of violence and protests against demolition drives and other government initiatives. The city’s rapid urbanization and population growth have led to the proliferation of unauthorized structures, which often lack basic amenities and pose a risk to public safety. The government’s efforts to regulate and manage the city’s growth are often met with resistance from various stakeholders, including local residents, traders, and political groups.
To address this issue, the government needs to adopt a more nuanced and inclusive approach that takes into account the concerns and needs of all stakeholders. This could involve engaging with local communities and providing alternative solutions for those who are affected by demolition drives. At the same time, the government must also ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that public officials are protected from violence and intimidation.
In conclusion, the incident of violence during the anti-encroachment drive in Delhi’s Turkman Gate area is a cause for concern. The fact that a group of 30-35 people resorted to stone-pelting and vandalism, and even snatched a police loud-hailer, highlights the need for a more effective and coordinated approach to dealing with encroachments and unauthorized structures in the city. The government must take firm action to maintain law and order, while also engaging with local communities to find solutions that balance the needs of all stakeholders.
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