Now, bulldozers run riot in N Delhi; SC halts drive

NEW DELHI: Bulldozers roared into the violence-hit north Delhi neighbourhood of Jahangirpuri on Wednesday morning and razed around 50 structures hours before a Supreme Court order finally silenced them, sparking a fierce political war and allegations that the municipal administration was bypassing laws and targeting communities.

The demolition drive was ordered by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (North MCD) in the C-block of Jahangirpur, which was rocked by communal clashes four days ago and left nine people, including eight policemen and a civilian injured, injured. The razing of huts, carts, homes, shops and structures near a local mosque, including its gates and a wall, began at around 10.15am, triggering panic in the area. “We have lost everything. I don’t know how we will survive,” said Malika Bibi, who said she ran a fruit shop for 25 years. At 11am, the apex court ordered status quo (to remain in existing condition) on an urgent plea by a clutch of lawyers, complaining against what they called an “unconstitutional and unauthorised demolition”.

“Okay, we direct status quo. We will list it tomorrow,” said the SC bench, headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and comprising justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli.

But the bulldozers continued razing structures for the next hour-and-a-half with officials on the ground refusing to stop until a written order was received. At noon, lawyers rushed back to the court, prompting Chief Justice of India NV Ramana to ask the court registry to communicate the order to all officials. Demolitions finally stopped around 12.40pm. 10am, Tuesday: Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta writes to north MCD commissioner and mayor, urging them to demolish ‘illegal encroachments’ done by those accused of Jahangirpuri violence

Noon, Tuesday: A letter from asst commissioner of Civil Lines zone to DCP North West is sent, stating a special joint encroachment removal action programme is to be fixed in Jahangirpuri; police asked to provide 400 personnel on April 19, 20 and 21 Drive scheduled to begin 2pm Tuesday, but nothing is done

10pm, Tuesday: Adesh Gupta tweets his morning letter

Tuesday night: North MCD mayor says drive isn't carried out as they didn’t get police permission

Drive begins in heavy police presence

11am: SC halts drive, authorities told to maintain ‘status-quo'

Between 11am-12.40pm: Drive continues, officials say they haven’t received the SC order

12.40pm: Drive halted; 50 structures demolished