Protests erupted in Delhi’s Mangolpuri area today following the demolition of a mosque by authorities, accompanied by heavy deployment of Indian forces’ personnel.
The demolition was initiated based on a complaint filed by Hindutva leader Preet Sirohi. Earlier, another mosque was demolished in Bhavana based on his complaint.
Early in the morning, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), along with local police and a paramilitary company, arrived at Y block in northwest Delhi’s Mangolpuri to demolish the mosque, citing “illegal encroachment”, a justification frequently used by authorities to dismantle Muslim places of worship and residences.
As the demolition drive started, Muslim residents gathered at the spot and started protesting, an Indian official said. Reportedly, this led to clashes with police using force to disperse the protesters, resulting in injuries to several residents.
