Police use tear gas and lathi-charge as protests intensify over removal of mosque portion for Simhastha 2028 road-widening project
Ujjain, Sept 2026 : Fresh stone-pelting was reported in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain on Monday as protests over the removal of a portion of the Shahi Masjid intensified, with police using tear gas and a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. The confrontation took place as authorities proceeded with road-widening work being undertaken ahead of the Simhastha 2028 religious gathering.
The situation had turned tense earlier in the day after protesters gathered near the mosque to oppose the removal of the portion falling within the proposed road alignment. Police deployed in large numbers used tear-gas shells after stones were allegedly thrown at security personnel. A police officer was also reported to have sustained injuries during efforts to control the situation.
According to police, an FIR has been registered against 10 people in connection with the unrest. Authorities are also examining the alleged role of individuals accused of using social media to inflame tensions. Police sources said several people from outside the area had been detained, although details of individual arrests were still emerging.
The unrest came as the administration moved ahead with the removal of the portion of the Shahi Masjid that falls within the alignment of the road-widening project. Reports said members of the Muslim community had themselves participated in removing the affected section after discussions with the administration.
The road-widening project covers the stretch between Kanthal Square and Gopal Mandir and forms part of preparations for Simhastha 2028. Authorities have argued that widening key roads is necessary to improve traffic movement and accommodate the large number of pilgrims expected to visit Ujjain during the event. The broader project reportedly involves 272 structures identified for removal or modification.
The dispute over the mosque has been the subject of legal proceedings. The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench had earlier dismissed petitions challenging the proposed removal of the affected portion, allowing the Ujjain Municipal Corporation to proceed with the road-widening exercise. The petitions were filed by representatives associated with the mosque, which is registered as a Waqf property.
The mosque management has maintained that the structure has historical significance and has cited records to support its claim that it is more than 100 years old. Other accounts have attributed a much earlier date to the structure, but its precise historical age remains disputed.
The dispute led to an overnight gathering near the mosque, with members of the Muslim community opposing the proposed removal. Police and administrative officials attempted to persuade those gathered to cooperate with the road-widening process, while security forces maintained a heavy presence around the site.
As tensions rose on Monday, access to lanes around the mosque was restricted and additional security personnel were deployed to prevent further gatherings. The administration also maintained surveillance around the area as the removal work continued.
The controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of a wider infrastructure programme in Ujjain ahead of Simhastha 2028. The administration has maintained that the road-widening work is intended to improve movement through the city and manage the anticipated influx of pilgrims.
With protests, police action and legal proceedings occurring simultaneously, the Shahi Masjid issue has become one of the most sensitive aspects of Ujjain’s preparations for Simhastha 2028. Authorities are now focused on maintaining law and order while implementing the road project, even as concerns over the mosque’s religious and historical significance continue to be raised by sections of the community.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
