Ujjain, September 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tension escalated in parts of Ujjain on Monday as protests over the proposed partial removal of the historic Shahi Masjid turned violent, with stone-pelting reported and police firing tear gas shells to disperse the gathering.
A heavy police deployment remained in place around the mosque complex as authorities prepared for possible enforcement of a road-widening project linked to preparations for Simhastha 2028. Nearly 2,000 police personnel, along with Rapid Action Force units and earthmoving machinery, had been deployed in the area.
The dispute centres on widening an approximately 900-metre stretch between Kanthal Square and Gopal Mandir to 15 metres to accommodate the anticipated movement of pilgrims during Simhastha. Around 60 religious and other structures reportedly fall along the project alignment, with most already cleared.
The Shahi Masjid and a nearby mazar close to Khade Hanuman Mandir have emerged as the main points of opposition. Community members describe the mosque as a centuries-old Waqf property, with some accounts dating it to around 1390. The proposed action would affect parts of the prayer hall, a minaret and other associated structures.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court in Indore had earlier dismissed petitions challenging notices issued by the Ujjain Municipal Corporation, citing public interest and traffic requirements ahead of Simhastha. A related hearing was scheduled for Monday.
Members of the Muslim community began gathering at the mosque and adjoining roads on Saturday night, with protests continuing through Sunday. Barricades were placed along the Kanthal-Gopal Mandir route and drones were used for surveillance.
Police sources said some youths continued throwing stones at security personnel on Monday despite repeated use of tear gas. More than 18 shells were fired to disperse the gathering.
In a separate incident during the law-and-order operation, Crime Branch TI Pushpa Panchal suffered a cut on her hand. Police said she was injured when the corner of a sheet being used as cover by a group of protesting women struck her hand as female personnel attempted to move the group away. Panchal received first aid and her hand was bandaged. Police said none of the women was injured.
Authorities have maintained that the road-widening project is part of broader infrastructure preparations for Simhastha 2028, which is expected to draw crores of devotees. Similar clearance actions have been undertaken against other structures in Ujjain to ease congestion around major pilgrimage areas, including the Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Community representatives have sought protection for the mosque, while the administration has said the project is being implemented through the legal and development processes. Security remained tight around the site as authorities worked to prevent further escalation.
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