Agencies | Ujjain:
Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Ujjain on Monday as authorities began removing a portion of the Shahi Masjid for a road-widening project being undertaken ahead of the 2028 Simhastha gathering.
A large crowd had gathered near the mosque for the second consecutive day to oppose the proposed demolition. Tension escalated after stones were allegedly thrown at police personnel, prompting security forces to use tear gas and mild force to disperse the protesters. Some police personnel sustained minor injuries, officials said.
The dispute centres on a portion of the mosque that falls within the proposed alignment of a 900-metre road stretch between Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir. The road is being widened to 15 metres as part of preparations for the Simhastha 2028 religious gathering.
Hundreds of residents and members of the Muslim community had gathered at the site on Sunday and remained there overnight in an attempt to prevent the removal. Following discussions with community representatives, an understanding was reportedly reached that the affected portion would be removed by members of the mosque committee themselves. However, opposition resumed when the work began on Monday.
The administration deployed a heavy security contingent around the mosque, with reports putting the deployment at around 2,500 personnel, while barricades were erected to restrict movement in the area.
Police subsequently detained several people in connection with the unrest, while authorities said cases were registered against individuals allegedly involved in stone-pelting and disturbing public order.
The mosque committee and members of the Muslim community have opposed the proposed removal, arguing that an alternative alignment should be considered. The legal dispute over the demolition has also reached the courts, with the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench having earlier dismissed petitions challenging the municipal corporation’s action.
The situation remained tense in the area as police maintained a strong presence while the demolition-related work continued.
