Days after violence, demolition drive in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri

The court asked the North Delhi Municipal Corporation to maintain a status quo. In pic, shops and other structures being razed in Jahangirpuri area of New Delhi.

Anti-encroachment drive on at the site of stone-pelting in Jahngirpuri area.

Appearing for Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave told the apex court that “this is completely unauthorised, unconstitutional, demolition which is now ordered in Delhi, in Jahangirpuri area, where allegedly riots took place.”

Dave pointed out that while the demolition was planned to start at 2 pm, it had started at 9 am “knowing that we are going to mention it”.

Bulldozers rolled in to Jahangirpuri in New Delhi at around 10 am Wednesday to begin an anti-encroachment drive. (Express Photo)

This move comes days after communal clashes broke out in the area. A total of 12 companies of the CRPF have been deployed across the city. (Express Photo)

Several people called the drive an act of vengeance. Similarly, AAP leader Amanatullah Khan alleged it was an attempt disturb the peaceful atmosphere of Delhi. The Okhla MLA said the demolition of houses of "a particular community" was to "harass" them in the holy month of Ramadan on the pretext of an anti-encroachment drive. (Express Photo)

Raja Iqbal Singh, Mayor, North Delhi Municipal Corporation told ANI that the anti-encroachment drive will take place across Delhi. (Express Photo)

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat reaches the site of demolition drive.

The Supreme Court said it will hear the matter on Thursday. (Express Photo)

Under the Municipal Acts, notice has to be given before carrying out the demolitions, he said, adding that the drive in Jahangirpuri was being done without issuing any notice.

Many residents of Jahagirpuri said they had not received any notice for the drive. (Express Photo)

The residents of the area where the demolition drive took place talk to the police.

Security has been heightened across the city, and in Jahangirpuri in particular. RAF officers were deployed too, carrying tear gas munitions, medical kits and riot gear. (Express Photo)

Jamila, whose cart was among the first to be demolished by the bulldozer, said, "No notice was given to us. My husband and I have been running a cart here for two decades. Ye sab badle ke bhav se ho raha hai." (Express Photo)

Rahima (30), she took a loan out to buy a fridge for Rs 15,000. "They told us that only scrap items will be removed. I kept checking with the police since morning they promised nothing would happen to my shop."

Raman Jha (52), pan shop owner whose shop was destroyed. "No notice no information. I came thrice in the morning to remove the rehdi asked the police they said nothing will happen. Then they suddenly broke my shop." (Express Photo)