Delhi’s famous Sarojini Nagar Market, a go-to spot for affordable fashion, was hit by a shocking late-night demolition drive on May 18, 2025. Around 11 PM, after shops had closed and traders had gone home, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) sent bulldozers and enforcement teams to tear down shop extensions, awnings, and signages. Nearly 150 shops were affected, leaving shopkeepers furious and heartbroken.
Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar Mini Market Traders’ Association, said, “They came in the dead of night, between 11:30 PM and 1 AM, and destroyed our shop facades without any warning. We weren’t even given a chance to save our property!” Traders claim the NDMC’s sudden action targeted both legal and illegal structures, causing chaos and financial loss. Many rely on these shops for their livelihood, and the lack of prior notice has sparked outrage.
The NDMC says the drive was to clear encroachments that block pathways and violate rules. But shopkeepers argue they use awnings to protect goods from rain and heat, a common practice across Delhi. “Why target us without notice? We’re not criminals!” said one angry trader. The demolition has left the market in disarray, with damaged roofs and signs affecting daily business.
Traders are now planning protests and demanding answers from the authorities. They’ve called for fair treatment and proper notice before such actions. For now, Sarojini Nagar, a beloved shopping hub for Delhiites, faces uncertainty as shopkeepers pick up the pieces. Locals are urged to support the traders by visiting and shopping at the market. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story