The unrest unfolded as the Ujjain Municipal Corporation moved to remove a section of the Shahi Masjid that falls within the proposed road alignment. The project is part of preparations for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to the city.
Members of the Muslim community, including women, gathered near the mosque to oppose the proposed demolition. Protesters raised slogans against the administration, while police erected barricades and restricted movement around the site.
Stone-pelting was reported during the confrontation, prompting police to use tear gas and resort to a baton charge to disperse the crowd. Additional security personnel, including Rapid Action Force units, were deployed in the area.
Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma said the ‘situation was under control’ as of now. He added, those involved in the violence were being identified through CCTV and drone footage, and that legal action would follow.
Dispute over heritage and development
The road-widening project aims to improve traffic movement along the stretch connecting Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir, a route used by pilgrims visiting the Mahakaleshwar temple and other religious sites. Authorities have said the infrastructure expansion is necessary to manage the expected crowds during Simhastha Kumbh 2028.
However, the proposed removal of part of the mosque has triggered objections from members of the Muslim community, who have raised concerns over the protection of a historic religious site and their religious sentiments. Al Jazeera reported that protesters describe the mosque as more than 600 years old.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi urged the state government to consider an alternative to the demolition.
“The administration should respect public sentiments and acquire the necessary land for road widening from the other side,” Pratapgarhi said, according to India Today. He also questioned the move while the dispute remained before the court.
The Ujjain Municipal Corporation has maintained that the road-widening work is part of a broader infrastructure plan. Municipal chairperson Kalawati Yadav said preparations were underway for the large number of devotees expected in 2028.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court's Indore bench had earlier dismissed petitions challenging the municipal corporation's demolition notices. The court cited the need for traffic management and infrastructure improvements ahead of the religious gathering. A further hearing in the matter was scheduled for September 28.
Meanwhile, heavy police deployment continued around the mosque and other sensitive areas of Ujjain. Authorities appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumours as tensions persisted over the proposed demolition.
