Ujjain Shahi Masjid Demolition Row Turns Tense as Protesters Clash With Police

Ujjain: Tension escalated in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain on Monday as protests against the proposed removal of a portion of the historic Shahi Masjid turned into a confrontation between protesters and police.

The situation intensified after municipal and police teams arrived with heavy machinery to proceed with the removal of the portion of the mosque falling within the proposed road alignment. Members of the Muslim community had gathered at the site overnight in opposition to the action.

According to reports, stones were allegedly thrown at security personnel after the removal process began. Police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. The incident led to heightened security around the mosque, with a large police contingent deployed in the area.

The dispute is linked to a road widening project between Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir. The approximately 900 metre stretch is being widened to 15 metres as part of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh scheduled to be held in 2028. Several religious structures fall within the proposed alignment, with the Shahi Masjid becoming the main point of opposition.

Reports said more than 2,000 police personnel were deployed around the area, while barricades were placed within an approximately 500 metre radius of the mosque to restrict movement and prevent further escalation. Other reports put the deployment at around 2,500 personnel.

The mosque committee and local residents had spent the night at the site, maintaining that the religious structure should be protected and that any dispute should be resolved through legal channels. Discussions were also held between the administration and representatives of the mosque during the night, with reports of an understanding over the removal process. However, the situation became tense again when the operation resumed on Monday morning.

The proposed work affects a portion of the mosque’s prayer hall, a 120 foot high minaret and the Mazhar Chowk Shahi, according to court records. The mosque is registered as a Waqf property.

The legal dispute has also continued alongside the developments on the ground. On September 28, the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench disposed of an appeal after the mosque representatives informed the court that a settlement had been reached with the Ujjain Municipal Corporation. The court recorded that the assurances given by the civic body would be binding on it.

Earlier, on September 9, the High Court had dismissed petitions challenging the municipal corporation’s proposed action, holding that the authorities had followed the prescribed procedure. The court had also considered the road’s importance for traffic management during the 2028 Simhastha.

The developments have drawn attention across the state as authorities continue preparations for Simhastha 2028. Meanwhile, the situation around the Shahi Masjid remains sensitive, with heavy security deployment and restrictions on movement in the surrounding area.