AI Videos Showing Entire Mosque Demolition Fuelled Rumours, Ujjain Clashes Erupt

AI-generated videos falsely showing the demolition of the entire Shahi Masjid fuelled rumours and mobilised a crowd that later clashed with police in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

AI Videos Fuelled Confusion

Madhya Pradesh Police reportedly said fabricated videos circulating on social media misled some younger members associated with the mosque committee.

Ujjain SP reportedly said that one video showed a JCB demolishing the entire mosque, which was false.

According to police, the confusion centred on the extent of the proposed demolition. Authorities had planned to remove only the portion of the historic mosque falling within the alignment of a road being widened ahead of the 2028 Simhastha.

The affected portion was later demolished by members of the Muslim community themselves after an understanding was reached with the civic administration.

Ujjain Clashes

The situation turned violent on Monday morning when protesters allegedly pelted stones at security personnel deployed near the mosque.

Police used tear gas and lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. A large security contingent, including Rapid Action Force personnel, had been deployed in the area after an overnight gathering as per reports.

Five FIRs, 15 Arrested

Police are investigating the origin and circulation of the alleged misinformation. Officers are reportedly examining the social media accounts that first posted the videos and users who repeatedly shared them.

Police said 15 people have been arrested so far, while more than 100 Instagram accounts have been reported. An FIR was also registered following a complaint by Ujjain City Qazi Khalil Qureshi Rehman.

What Is the Shahi Masjid Dispute?

The dispute concerns a portion of the Shahi Masjid located along a road proposed for widening as part of preparations for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court reportedly cleared the way for the partial removal on September 9. On Monday, the Indore bench was informed that the Muslim side had reached an agreement with the Ujjain Municipal Corporation, after which two related writ appeals were disposed of.

The dispute has also revealed differences between factions over the administration of the Shahi Masjid’s Waqf property. Separate petitions had been filed by two groups, each claiming authority to represent the mosque and respond to municipal notices.