The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) carried out a demolition drive early Wednesday in Mangolpuri Industrial Area Phase-II, removing a structure identified as Dargah Panch Peeran. The action was taken amid heavy police deployment, with authorities claiming the shrine was an illegal encroachment on government land, while caretakers insisted it was over 100 years old.
According to the DDA, the demolition was conducted only after completing legal procedures and obtaining approval from a religious committee.
A DDA spokesperson said, “This was done after getting due approval from the religious committee, with completion of all codal formalities, which established the said dargah as a patently blatant unauthorised construction on government land.”
The agency also said a show-cause notice had been issued in 2024, but the response from occupants was “not substantial.”
Caretakers claim century-old heritage structure destroyed
The dargah caretakers strongly opposed the demolition, saying the structure had historical and religious significance and had existed for generations.
Maqbool Hasan, who is associated with the shrine, said the demolition was carried out without proper notice or judicial process.
He said, “My father and his father… we have all taken care of this dargah which is more than 100 years old. We were not provided with any proper notice this week. Policemen came around 4–5 am and threatened us. I even begged the SHO to stop and wait till proper court proceedings, but he threatened to arrest me. Now, the dargah is almost demolished.”
Heavy police presence, protests removed from site
Delhi Police deployed three teams at the site from around 6 am as the demolition began. Officials said some locals attempted to protest but were removed from the area to maintain order.
Authorities claimed that nearly 90% of the structure was demolished during the operation and stated that no damage occurred to surrounding properties as the action was limited to the identified encroached portion.
Legal challenge and allegations of violation of guidelines
Following the demolition, legal objections were raised by advocates representing the caretakers. A legal notice was sent to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Delhi Police, and the DDA, claiming the action violated due process and Supreme Court guidelines.
The notice argued that the shrine had existed peacefully for decades and should not have been demolished without proper legal proceedings.
DDA defends action as lawful enforcement
The DDA maintained that the structure was built on government land without authorization and that due process had been followed before taking action.
Officials reiterated that the demolition was carried out only after formal approval and prior notice, calling it a necessary enforcement step against encroachments.
