Delhi: Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi came into focus on Wednesday after his name surfaced during the investigation into violence that broke out near Delhi’s Turkman Gate during a civic demolition operation. Delhi Police confirmed that Nadvi will be questioned as part of the probe into the stone-pelting incident that left several police personnel injured.
Responding to the developments, Nadvi said he had no prior information about any court order related to the removal of encroachments in the area. He stated, “I was not aware of any High Court direction. Discussions were still going on about the mosque land and whether it was encroached or not.” He added that he came to know late at night that heavy security had been deployed around the mosque.
Explaining his presence at the site, the SP MP said he was concerned about public tension escalating. “After what happened earlier in Mehrauli, I feared emotions could run high. That is why I went there,” Nadvi said. He claimed that he appealed to people to remain peaceful and return home, adding, “There is a video where I can be seen asking the crowd to stay calm.”
Earlier in the day, Delhi Police registered an FIR in connection with the violence that erupted during an anti-encroachment drive near the Syed Faiz Elahi Mosque, close to the Ramlila Maidan area. The demolition was being carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on land adjacent to the mosque and a nearby graveyard, following court directions.
During the operation, some individuals allegedly hurled stones and glass bottles at police personnel, injuring at least five officers. To control the situation, the police used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and restore law and order. Five people were detained for questioning, and their role is being verified through CCTV footage.
Police officials said the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the violence broke out suddenly or if it was planned in advance to disrupt the demolition process. Authorities have also stated that all individuals connected to the incident, including political figures named during the inquiry, will be questioned as per law.
