Tensions flared in Ujjain on Monday when Ujjain Mosque Protests over the partial removal of the Shahi Masjid escalated into violence. Crowds gathered near the mosque as part of a road-widening project linked to preparations for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh. Protesters threw stones at police, who responded with tear gas and a lathi charge. At least seven people were detained and five content creators were booked for allegedly spreading false information. Some officers sustained minor injuries.
Trouble had been building since Sunday night. A large group stayed near the mosque overnight. Talks with community representatives produced an understanding around 4 or 5 am, and the mosque committee agreed to remove the affected section itself. Yet people returned later in the morning and the situation deteriorated when some began pelting stones. Officials said rumours that the entire mosque was being forcibly demolished had fuelled the unrest.
The road project covers about 900 metres between Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir and aims to widen the stretch to 15 metres. Roughly 11 feet of the mosque near Chhatri Chowk falls inside the planned alignment. Ujjain Collector Roshan Kumar Singh explained that the disturbance was triggered by those false claims. Police later sealed off the area and limited access.
Mosque representatives and local Muslim residents had voiced strong objections. Imam Mohammad Ibrahim warned that removing even a small portion could weaken the rest of the structure. Women also blocked a road at Naka No 5 in protest. Crime Branch inspector Pushpa Panchal received a cut on her hand while officers moved the women and was given first aid.
Ujjain Qazi Khali Kurre Rehman urged people to ignore rumours and stay away, stating that the issue had already been settled overnight and the agreed work was proceeding. The same road-widening effort has also affected the Khade Hanuman temple and part of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s ancestral home.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench had earlier dismissed two petitions against the mosque work on September 9, citing the need for public safety, better traffic flow and facilities for the upcoming Kumbh. Another challenge was listed for hearing on Monday. Police are now using CCTV and drones to identify those involved in the violence and will file further cases.
Despite the brief agreement, the Ujjain Mosque Protests revealed deep local sensitivities around the project.
