Tension mounted in Ujjain on Monday after a protest against the proposed partial removal of the Shahi Masjid turned into a confrontation between a crowd and police. Tear-gas shells were used after reports of stone-pelting at the site.
The dispute has its roots in a road-widening project being undertaken ahead of Simhastha 2028. Ujjain is preparing for the major religious gathering by upgrading roads and other infrastructure. Authorities have identified portions of the Shahi Masjid as falling within the proposed road alignment.
Members of the Muslim community have opposed the proposed removal and gathered around the mosque. The administration had deployed police personnel to the area, anticipating resistance as the road-widening operation approached the structure.
On Monday, the situation escalated. Reports said stones were thrown during the confrontation, prompting police to use tear gas to control the crowd. Rapid Action Force personnel were also deployed.
The incident came after several days of demonstrations and gatherings. On Sunday, hundreds of people reportedly remained near the mosque, opposing the proposed action. Security personnel conducted a flag march as authorities sought to maintain order.
The dispute has also involved judicial proceedings. The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently dismissed petitions challenging the proposed demolition of part of the mosque. The judgment allowed authorities to continue with the infrastructure project, which officials have linked to the need to handle the expected influx of devotees during Simhastha 2028.
The petitioners had argued against the municipal action and sought protection for the mosque. Court documents show that several notices issued by authorities were challenged by representatives associated with the mosque management.
The administration has maintained that the road-widening exercise is part of a larger infrastructure plan. Reports on the court proceedings have noted that the project has also affected other religious structures in the area, including portions of temples and another mosque.
The confrontation on Monday demonstrates how quickly disputes involving religious structures and public infrastructure can become sensitive law-and-order issues.
Police officials now face the immediate task of preventing further clashes. The presence of security forces is expected to continue around the mosque and surrounding roads.
At the same time, the administration must decide how to implement the court-backed infrastructure plan while addressing concerns raised by community members. Any further action at the site is likely to attract close public attention.
The Ujjain incident also comes at a crucial stage in preparations for Simhastha 2028. With major infrastructure work underway, authorities are seeking to expand road capacity and improve movement across the city.
For residents and community representatives opposing the mosque’s partial removal, the issue remains one of protecting a religious site. For the administration, it is connected with a broader road-development plan.
The immediate situation remains sensitive, and officials are expected to maintain a strong security presence while monitoring developments around the Shahi Masjid.