India, Jan. 8 -- A court-mandated anti-encroachment drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) at Ramlila Ground near Turkman Gate early Wednesday spiralled into violence after a group of people allegedly resorted to stone pelting. The violence caused injury to five police personnel and forced authorities to briefly use tear gas to restore order. Police said five people have been arrested in connection with the incident, and further action is underway. Sources said Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi was also present in the area when the violence broke out. There was, however, no official statement on his role in the incident.

The demolition, aimed at removing illegal commercial structures near the century-old Faiz-e-...