10 Booked, 2,500 Police Deployed as Ujjain Tense After Shahi Masjid Demolition Drive

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Tension prevailed in Ujjain on Monday after protests over the removal of a portion of the Shahi Masjid for a road-widening project escalated into clashes between protesters and police. Authorities deployed around 2,500 police personnel, including forces from neighbouring districts, to maintain law and order.

Police said 10 people have been identified and booked for alleged stone-pelting and attempts to disturb peace. A senior police officer said five of those named in the FIRs are social media influencers who have been accused of spreading misinformation and disturbing public order.

Stone-pelting, tear gas reported

According to police, a crowd gathered near the mosque and some protesters allegedly threw stones at security personnel deployed to facilitate the road-widening work. Around half a dozen policemen were reportedly injured and received primary medical treatment.

Police used tear gas and mild force to disperse the crowd. Rapid Action Force personnel were also deployed in the area as authorities sought to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma said the security perimeter had been strengthened around the site and that the situation was brought under control. He also said the mosque committee's demolition work was continuing and appealed for calm.

Why is the Shahi Masjid being removed?

The dispute concerns a portion of the Shahi Masjid that falls within the alignment of a road being widened ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028. According to the district administration, the portion affected measures approximately 9 feet by 4 feet.

The wider project involves expanding the road between Kanthal Crossing and Gopal Mandir to improve traffic movement and infrastructure ahead of the large religious gathering. Reports have said that 272 structures have been marked for removal or modification under the broader road-widening exercise.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court's Indore Bench had earlier dismissed petitions challenging the proposed removal of the mosque portion. In its September 9 order, the court held that the municipal corporation had followed the applicable procedure and considered the road-widening project's traffic-management and public-safety objectives.

A further challenge by the mosque authorities was listed before a division bench on September 28. As of the latest reports available Monday afternoon, no subsequent court order had been reported.

Appeal for peace

Ujjain City Qazi Khaliqur Rahman appealed to members of the Muslim community to remain calm, avoid unnecessary gatherings and not act on rumours. He said an agreement concerning the work had been reached during the night and urged people to allow the agreed work to continue.

The administration has maintained heightened security around the mosque and across Ujjain following the clashes. Officials have said efforts are focused on maintaining peace while the road-widening work proceeds.

The developments have added to tensions surrounding preparations for the 2028 Simhastha, with the administration citing infrastructure and traffic requirements while members of the local Muslim community have raised objections to the removal of part of the mosque.