30-35 people threw stones, snatched police loud hailer: FIR on Delhi violence
On Wednesday, a violent incident erupted in Central Delhi’s Turkman Gate area, near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque, during an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). According to an FIR lodged by a constable, a group of around 30-35 people allegedly pelted stones at the authorities, while one individual snatched a government loud-hailer from the constable’s hand and damaged it.
The incident occurred during a demolition drive initiated by the MCD to remove encroachments in the area. The situation quickly escalated, with the crowd turning violent and attacking the police personnel present at the scene. The constable, in his complaint, stated that the group of people began throwing stones, creating a chaotic and intimidating atmosphere.
The FIR further revealed that one person, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, snatched the loud-hailer from the constable’s hand and damaged it. This act of vandalism not only disrupted the authorities’ efforts to maintain order but also posed a significant threat to the safety of the personnel on duty.
Following the incident, the police have arrested five individuals in connection with the violence. However, efforts are still underway to identify and apprehend the remaining perpetrators. The authorities are reviewing footage from nearby CCTV cameras and eyewitness accounts to gather more information about the individuals involved.
The incident has raised concerns about the increasing instances of violence and resistance to authority in the city. The MCD’s anti-encroachment drive, aimed at reclaiming public spaces and ensuring the rule of law, has often been met with opposition from local residents and vendors. However, the use of violence and intimidation to thwart these efforts is unacceptable and undermines the very fabric of democratic governance.
The police have urged the public to cooperate with the authorities and respect the law. They have also assured that necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future and to maintain public safety.
The Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque, located in the heart of Old Delhi, is a significant religious and cultural landmark in the area. The surrounding streets are often crowded, with vendors and shoppers thronging the narrow alleys. The MCD’s demolition drive aimed to clear the area of encroachments, which have been blamed for congesting the streets and creating unsanitary conditions.
While the MCD’s efforts to reclaim public spaces are commendable, it is essential to ensure that these drives are carried out in a manner that respects the rights and livelihoods of local residents and vendors. The use of force and violence to resist these efforts is not a solution and can only lead to further conflict and instability.
As the investigation into the incident continues, it is crucial for the authorities to engage with local stakeholders and community leaders to address their concerns and find a peaceful resolution to the issue. The city’s residents must also recognize the importance of respecting the law and cooperating with the authorities to maintain public order and safety.
In conclusion, the incident of violence during the MCD’s anti-encroachment drive in Central Delhi’s Turkman Gate area is a disturbing reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining law and order in the city. The use of violence and intimidation to resist these efforts is unacceptable and must be condemned. As the police continue to investigate the incident and apprehend the perpetrators, it is essential for the public to cooperate with the authorities and respect the rule of law.
About the Author
