Clashes Erupt in Ujjain over Shahi Masjid Portion Removal; 10...
Tensions flared in Ujjain after protests and stone-pelting broke out during the road-widening drive near the historic Shahi Masjid, prompting police to...
By GT24x7 Reporter··GlobalToday24x7
Tensions Rise During Road Widening Action Near Shahi Masjid
Severe unrest broke out in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain city during an ongoing road-widening project between Kanthal Square and Gopal Mandir, undertaken as part of civil infrastructure preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028. The conflict erupted near the historic Shahi Masjid at Chhatri Chowk when administrative efforts proceeded to remove a portion of the structure measuring approximately 9 feet long and 4 feet wide that fell directly within the designated 15-meter road alignment.
While representatives of the mosque committee and members of the Muslim community had initially agreed to dismantle the affected 9-by-4-foot section voluntarily following overnight discussions with civil officials, local resistance escalated as crowds reassembled. Protesters gathered in adjacent lanes, leading to confrontations with security forces deployed to maintain order.
Police Action, Stone-Pelting, and Use of Force
According to senior police officials, including Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma, the situation turned volatile when miscreants within the gathering initiated stone-pelting aimed at law enforcement personnel. In response, security personnel resorted to a mild lathi-charge and deployed over a dozen tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd and secure the perimeter.
Several police officers, including a female Crime Branch inspector, sustained minor injuries during the clashes while attempting to clear road blockades set up by protesting groups. To prevent further escalation, law enforcement cordoned off nearby market areas and deployed over 2,500 personnel, alongside Rapid Action Force (RAF) contingents, to enforce security across the precinct.
Legal Cases Registered Against Influencers and Detentions Made
Following the outbreak of violence, Ujjain Police registered First Information Reports (FIRs) against 10 identified individuals. Official statements confirm that five of those named in the FIR are local social media influencers accused of circulating unverified claims and inflaming public sentiments through digital platforms.
Additionally, law enforcement authorities took five individuals from outside Ujjain into custody. Officials stated that drone surveillance and CCTV footage are being rigorously analyzed to identify other key instigators who provoked the crowd despite an earlier agreement reached between community elders and the administration.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Community Appeals
The road-widening initiative forms a core component of Ujjain's civic overhaul for the 2028 Simhastha Mela, affecting hundreds of structures across the city, including portions of temples and residential properties. Local administrative officials highlighted that voluntary compliance has been sought across communities to facilitate smooth infrastructure upgrades.
Following the unrest, City Qazi Khaleelur Rahman issued a public appeal urging residents to ignore rumors circulating on social media, maintain peace, and stay indoors, confirming that the mosque committee had previously reached an understanding with the administration regarding the minor structural adjustment. Simultaneously, legal challenges regarding the project have been presented before the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court as security forces remain on high alert across Ujjain.