Stone-Pelting, Tear Gas in Ujjain as Protest Over Shahi Masjid Demolition Plan Intensifies

Tension rose in Ujjain on Monday as protests over the proposed partial removal of Shahi Masjid escalated, with stone-pelting and tear gas shelling reported.

Police Deploy Nearly 2,000 Personnel

A heavy police contingent, including Rapid Action Force personnel, has been deployed around the mosque complex as authorities prepare to carry out road-widening work linked to Simhastha 2028.

Police sources said some youths continued to pelt stones at personnel on Monday despite repeated use of tear gas to disperse the gathering. More than 18 tear gas shells were fired, according to police.

Barricades have been placed along the Kanthal-Gopal Mandir route, while drone cameras are being used to monitor the area.

Road-Widening Project Sparks Opposition

The dispute centres on an approximately 900-metre stretch between Kanthal Square and Gopal Mandir, which authorities plan to widen to 15 metres ahead of Simhastha 2028.

Several religious structures fall within the proposed alignment. Officials said most of around 60 structures along the route have already been cleared.

The Shahi Masjid and a nearby mazar close to Khade Hanuman Mandir have emerged as the main points of opposition.

The Shahi Masjid is described by community members as a centuries-old Waqf property, with some accounts dating the structure to around 1390. The proposed action would affect parts of the prayer hall, a minaret and adjoining structures.

Protesters Gather Since Saturday

Members of the Muslim community began gathering at the mosque complex and nearby roads on Saturday night, raising slogans against the proposed action. The protests continued through Sunday night.

Authorities deployed heavy machinery and additional security forces in anticipation of possible enforcement action.

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 linked to the upcoming Simhastha. A further hearing in the matter was scheduled for Monday.

Police Officer Injured During Protest

Crime Branch TI Pushpa Panchal sustained an injury to her hand while police were managing the gathering, according to officials. Police said a group of women was advancing during the protest. As female police personnel tried to move them away, officers approached the group, who were using a sheet as cover.

The corner of the sheet cut Panchal's hand. She received first aid and her hand was bandaged.

Police said none of the protesting women was injured and that all remained safe.

Simhastha Preparations Behind Road Expansion

The administration has said the road-widening work is part of infrastructure upgrades being undertaken ahead of Simhastha 2028, which is expected to draw crores of devotees to Ujjain.

Authorities have undertaken similar action involving religious and non-religious structures at several locations to improve traffic movement and ease congestion, particularly around key pilgrimage sites such as the Mahakaleshwar Temple area.

Community representatives have demanded that the Shahi Masjid be spared, while authorities maintain that the road project is being implemented through the legal and administrative process.

Security remained tight around the mosque as police sought to prevent further escalation while the High Court proceedings continued.