Security personnel keep vigil following incidents of stones hurled at police during protests against the proposed removal of a portion of the ‘Shahi Masjid’ for road widening, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on September 28, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
At least seven people have been arrested and five content creators booked by the police after a group of Muslim residents clashed with security personnel in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain over the proposed demolition of a portion of Shahi Mosque for a road-widening project, as part of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028, an official said.
The tensions that began on Sunday night (September 27, 2026) flared up on Monday (September 28, 2026) morning, leading to baton charge and use of tear gas by the police to control the situation.
Ujjain Collector Roshan Kumar Singh told The Hindu that it was rumoured that the mosque was being demolished forcibly after which some miscreants clashed with the police and resorted to hurling stones.
“Members of the Muslim community themselves were removing the required portion of the mosque structure but some miscreants cause disturbance in the process and started creating nuisance. The police have dealt with them with mild force,” he said, adding that some personnel have suffered minor injuries in the clashes.
Mr. Singh said that only a small portion of the mosque, located at Ujjain’s Chhatri Chowk, was needed to be removed for the road widening work.
“The demolition process is now underway and the community members are themselves doing it,” he added.
Ujjain Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma said that the situation was now peaceful and that the demolition work in the area has been going on since 9 a.m. He said that a case has been lodged and that the police are identifying those who spread the rumours.
“We have taken about seven people into custody and five content creators who spread misinformation have also been booked. The misunderstanding is now clear,” he said.
Don’t believe in rumours, says Qazi
Meanwhile, Ujjain city Qazi Khali Kurre Rehman issued a video message asking community members to not believe rumours and saying that the matter had been resolved in the night itself.
“The matter regarding the mosque was resolved overnight through mutual agreement. There is no situation that requires anyone to visit the site. The task that was pledged to be completed is currently being carried out. Everyone is urged not to pay heed to any rumours and to avoid stepping out of their homes to visit the site unnecessarily based on such rumours,” Mr. Rehman said.
HC had dismissed petitions opposing demolition
The road from Kanthal crossing to Gopal Mandir is being widened to 15 m ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh. The project involves widening a roughly 900-metre stretch and removal or modification of structures falling within the proposed alignment.
Earlier on September 9, 2026, the Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed two petitions opposing the proposed demolition of the mosque’s portion.
In the order, Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt noted, “Considering the upcoming event of the Simhastha Kumbh, 2028, whereby the expectations of crores of devotees are required to be kept in mind, as well as the need to provide better facilities and to manage the traffic of such events; and considering the situation of the premises in question, which is almost opposite to the Mahakaleshwar Temple and very near to the Kshipra River. And for the consideration of the larger public safety and larger public interest, the action taken by the respondent [State authorities] is found to be after following the necessary provisions of law.”
Published – September 28, 2026 01:17 pm IST
