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Ujjain Shahi Masjid Removal Sparks Clash Over Road Widening
Officials in Ujjain want to widen a road before a large religious gathering in 2028.
Part of the historic Shahi Masjid is in the planned path of the road.
People from the local Muslim community gathered to oppose removing any part of the mosque.
Police brought a large force and heavy machines to the area.
The crowd and police clashed, and stones were reportedly thrown.
Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The mosque committee has asked for another road design and has taken the dispute to court.
Officials say the road work is needed to manage traffic and pilgrims.
Police used tear gas shells after protesters allegedly threw stones during resistance to the proposed partial removal of Ujjain’s Shahi Masjid.
The removal is linked to widening a roughly 900-metre Kanthal Chauraha–Gopal Mandir road stretch to 15 metres ahead of Simhastha 2028.
Authorities deployed nearly 2,000 personnel, barricades, Rapid Action Force units and heavy machinery around the mosque.
The mosque committee and Muslim community have urged an alternative alignment and challenged the action in court, citing the site’s Waqf status and historical importance.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench dismissed earlier petitions, while a further challenge was scheduled for hearing as tensions continued.
- Who
- Ujjain municipal authorities, police, local residents and members of the Muslim community; Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also opposed the proposed removal.
- What
- A protest over the proposed partial removal of the Shahi Masjid escalated into clashes, stone-pelting reports and police use of tear gas.
- Where
- Outside the Shahi Masjid in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, along the proposed Kanthal Chauraha–Gopal Mandir road route.
- When
- Monday morning, after residents had protested and gathered at the site from Saturday night; reports identify the date as September 28, 2026.
- Why
- Authorities are widening the road for traffic and infrastructure preparations ahead of the Simhastha 2028 religious gathering; opponents seek to protect the mosque and want an alternative alignment.
Opponents of Partial Removal
Authorities Supporting Road Project
Protection of the mosque
Opponents of Partial Removal
The mosque committee and Muslim community say the religious structure should be spared because it is a historic Waqf property and propose widening the road from the opposite side or using another alignment.
Authorities Supporting Road Project
Authorities say the affected portion lies within the approved road alignment and that the work is proceeding under legal and administrative procedures.
Need for road widening
Opponents of Partial Removal
Opponents argue that the road can be widened without removing the mosque and have objected to action while the legal challenge remains pending.
Authorities Supporting Road Project
Officials say widening is essential to manage traffic and the expected influx of pilgrims during Simhastha 2028, particularly near major religious sites.
Legal position
Opponents of Partial Removal
The mosque committee has continued its court challenge and sought protection for the structure.
Authorities Supporting Road Project
The High Court’s Indore Bench earlier held that authorities had followed the statutory procedure and that the proposed removal did not violate the constitutional provisions cited in the petitions.
Key facts
- Road project
- A roughly 900-metre stretch between Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir is planned to be widened to 15 metres.
- Security deployment
- Reports said nearly 2,000 police personnel were deployed, alongside Rapid Action Force units and senior officials.
- Police response
- Tear gas shells were fired after stone-pelting was reported; one report said more than 18 shells were used.
- Affected structures
- Reports variously said around 60 religious structures or 272 total structures were covered by the wider demolition effort.
- Mosque status
- The Shahi Masjid is described by community members as a centuries-old Waqf property; some accounts date it to around 1390.
- Court proceedings
- The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench dismissed two earlier petitions, while the mosque committee pursued a further challenge.
- Simhastha 2028
- Ujjain is preparing for a major religious gathering expected to draw millions or crores of devotees.
Quotes
Imran Pratapgarhi
Congress member of Parliament who opposed the proposed mosque demolition
“The administrative efforts to demolish the Ujjain Shahi Masjid under the pretext of road widening should be a bit more sensitive. Demolishing a 600-year-old heritage site just for road widening and development in the name of progress is the height of hatred. It has come to my notice that when the matter is pending in court, what message does the administration intend to send by repeatedly laying siege to the masjid?”
NDTV
“In 2028, Ujjain will host the Simhastha Mela, one of the world's largest spiritual gatherings, held every 12 years on the banks of the Shipra River. Extensive preparations are underway, including around 29 kilometres of new ghats, a diversion project, dams and other infrastructure works to improve the city. With millions of devotees expected, road widening has become essential,”
NDTV
Sources
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