Demolition of Temples in Delhi's Mayur Vihar put on hold amid protests

New Delhi: A demolition drive ordered by the Delhi High Court to tear down three temples in Mayur Vihar was put on hold due to a protest led by the local MLA on Thursday.

The temples in question, Kali Mandir, Amarnath Mandir, and Badrinath Mandir, are reportedly built on a green belt in Phase 2 of the area.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), accompanied by police, arrived at the site around 4 am, but the protest forced them to postpone the demolition.

"As per the High Court's order, the DDA team, along with police, reached Mayur Vihar Phase 2 in the Patparganj Assembly. But we were already there, trying to ensure the temple remained safe," Patparganj MLA Ravinder Singh Negi said on X.

A DDA spokesperson confirmed that the demolition was postponed following the protest.

"We had to postpone the drive due to the outrage it sparked. However, our legal team is reviewing the matter," the spokesperson said.

Negi reported that he and others arrived at the site by 3 am to safeguard the temples, making every effort to protect them.

Negi claimed that the demolition drive was postponed following discussions with Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

(inputs from PTI)