Tensions Rise in Ujjain Over Shahi Masjid Road-Widening Project; Police Deploy Tear Gas Amid Stone-Pelting

Ujjain: High security remained deployed around the Shahi Masjid complex on Monday after protests and sporadic stone-pelting broke out over the partial demolition of the mosque for a road-widening project. The administrative drive is part of citywide infrastructure preparations ahead of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh.

Over 2,500 police personnel and officers, along with Rapid Action Force (RAF) units, were stationed across the area as an alert was issued for Ujjain city. Police deployed tear gas shells and used mild force to disperse crowds attempting to move through narrow alleys near the complex after stones were hurled at security personnel, injuring some officers.

Security Measures and Police Action

Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma highlighted the security arrangements at the spot and urged residents to maintain peace, noting that police had anticipated potential unrest and taken measures to manage the situation.

“All communities and sections of society are continuously extending their cooperation and support in their respective areas. Even today, the demolition work, initiated by the mosque committee itself, is underway at the Shahi Masjid. As a precautionary measure, we have established a full security perimeter, and we have prohibited entry for everyone. However, certain miscreants attempted to create a disturbance and resorted to stone-pelting. The police personnel present at the scene responded by using tear gas and mild force to disperse the crowd. Leaders from the Muslim community are also issuing video messages urging calm. The situation is now fully under control. The demolition work by the mosque committee is continuing steadily,” Sharma said.

Detailing the planning and surveillance efforts, SP Sharma added: “We had anticipated this and conducted thorough briefings and multiple meetings to discuss every aspect. It is precisely because of this planning that we cleared the entire Chhatri Chowk area; there is no crowd here now, and a global security perimeter is in place. Some police personnel sustained minor injuries during the stone-pelting incident, but they remain alert and ready for duty. We utilised tear gas to manage the situation. We are monitoring the entire area through CCTV and drones. We have also been keeping a close watch on social media.”

Authorities also intercepted individuals travelling from outside the district to disrupt order, while resolving localised road blockades staged by protesters.

“Individuals who came from outside the district to incite trouble were detained by the police at the border late last night and have been taken into custody at various police stations. We will now identify the perpetrators using CCTV and drone footage and register FIRs against those found involved,” Sharma stated.

Regarding a brief blockade attempted by women in nearby alleys, he noted: “Some women also attempted to block the road. However, after we counselled them and showed them video footage of the situation, they withdrew the blockade. The road is open. I appeal to everyone to please cooperate; if anyone engages in such activities, strict action will be taken against them. As you can all see, we are carrying out this entire undertaking through the committee itself, with everyone’s consent.”

Community Leaders Urge Calm

Amid rising tensions, Ujjain City Qazi Khaliqur Rahman issued an appeal to members of the Muslim community to remain peaceful, avoid gathering in commercial areas, and refrain from heeding rumors.

“The members of the community are informed not to stand unnecessarily in the markets or go towards the market areas. The issue related to the mosque was resolved during the night itself. There is no such matter that requires anyone to come out,” Khaliqur Rahman said.

He urged residents to allow the agreed-upon work to proceed without interference, “The work for which an agreement has been reached is being completed, and the concerned people are carrying out their work. Therefore, do not pay attention to any rumours. Do not come out of your homes because of rumours. Maintain peace and stay inside your homes.”

The administrative drive drew criticism from Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, who called on the state government to demonstrate greater sensitivity toward historical heritage sites and respect public sentiment.

"The administrative efforts to demolish the Ujjain Shahi Masjid under the pretext of road widening should be a bit more sensitive. Demolishing a 600-year-old heritage site just for road widening and development in the name of progress is the height of hatred. It has come to my notice that when the matter is pending in court, what message does the administration intend to send by repeatedly laying siege to the masjid? Thousands of youth in Ujjain are continuously raising their voices on this issue. My request to the Ujjain administration is to respect public sentiments and acquire the necessary land for road widening from the other side. Demolishing such a historically significant heritage site cannot be considered a normal event under any circumstances," Pratapgarhi said.  

Simhastha 2028 Infrastructure Drive   

The partial removal of the Shahi Masjid is part of a broader infrastructure plan involving 272 structures marked for demolition to facilitate road widening in Ujjain ahead of the Simhastha Mela.  

Demonstrating compliance with the urban project, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav personally initiated demolition activities at his ancestral home, noting the personal sacrifice involved for the city's broader needs.  

"This is the place where I grew up, playing and running around, and now I am stepping forward to dismantle it with my own hands. It certainly has an emotional impact. However, if it is necessary for the administration and essential for the Simhastha, then this sacrifice must be made. I am satisfied that we are all doing this together," Yadav said.  

He added: "The entire state and the country are watching this. People are demolishing their homes willingly and happily, dedicating themselves to the cause so that others may benefit greatly."  

Highlighting the scale of infrastructure requirements for the upcoming spiritual gathering, Ujjain Municipal Corporation Chairperson Kalawati Yadav explained: "In 2028, Ujjain will host the Simhastha Mela, one of the world's largest spiritual gatherings, held every 12 years on the banks of the Shipra River. Extensive preparations are underway, including around 29 kilometres of new ghats, a diversion project, dams and other infrastructure works to improve the city. With millions of devotees expected, road widening has become essential."

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