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Ujjain Shahi Masjid Removal Turns Violent Amid Road-Widening Dispute
Officials in Ujjain want to widen a road before a large religious event in 2028.
Part of the Shahi Masjid lies in the area planned for the wider road.
Mosque representatives and community members have opposed removing part of the structure.
One report said the mosque committee agreed to remove the affected section itself, while other reports described continuing protests against the plan.
On Monday, stones were thrown during the dispute.
Police used tear gas to move people away and control the crowd.
An officer cut her hand while helping remove protesting women from the road, but officials said the women were safe.
The issue is also connected to a court case about the road-widening notices.
Stone-pelting was reported during the partial removal of Ujjain’s Shahi Masjid for a road-widening project.
Police fired tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd, with one report saying more than a dozen shells were used.
Crime Branch Inspector Pushpa Panchal suffered a hand cut while police moved protesting women; officials said no women were injured.
The 900-metre Kanthal Square–Gopal Mandir stretch is being widened to 15 metres ahead of Simhastha 2028.
Mosque representatives have challenged the action and cited historical records, while authorities say the work is needed for traffic and infrastructure.
- Who
- The Ujjain district administration, police, Shahi Masjid committee and protesting community members were involved; Inspector Pushpa Panchal was injured.
- What
- A dispute over removing part of the Shahi Masjid for road widening turned tense, with reported stone-pelting, tear gas and a road blockade.
- Where
- Near Shahi Masjid, Gopal Mandir and Chhatri Chowk in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
- When
- Monday, September 28, 2026.
- Why
- Authorities are widening roads ahead of Simhastha 2028 and say the work is needed to manage increased traffic and visitors.
Mosque Representatives and Protesters
Administration and Project Supporters
Removal of the mosque section
Mosque Representatives and Protesters
Community members and mosque representatives oppose removing part of the structure and have sought its protection or an alternative road alignment.
Administration and Project Supporters
The administration is proceeding with the removal because the mosque section reportedly falls within the road-widening alignment.
Heritage and historical status
Mosque Representatives and Protesters
Mosque representatives describe the structure as more than 100 years old, while Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi referred to it as a 600-year-old heritage site.
Administration and Project Supporters
Authorities and project supporters emphasize the need for road and infrastructure improvements ahead of Simhastha 2028; the articles do not provide a direct official response to the heritage-age claims.
Court and implementation
Mosque Representatives and Protesters
Opponents questioned proceeding while the legal challenge was pending and urged the administration to consider widening the road from the other side.
Administration and Project Supporters
The High Court had dismissed petitions challenging the municipal notices, although an appeal was awaiting a hearing according to the reports.
Key facts
- Main road project
- A 900-metre stretch from Kanthal Square to Gopal Mandir is planned to be widened to 15 metres.
- Reason for project
- The widening is part of infrastructure preparations for Simhastha 2028.
- Police response
- Police used tear gas after stones were reportedly thrown at personnel; one report said more than a dozen shells were fired.
- Officer injured
- Crime Branch Inspector Pushpa Panchal received a cut on her hand and was given first aid.
- Protester safety
- Police said no woman protester was injured and that all the women were safe.
- Legal status
- The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court had dismissed challenges to municipal notices, while an appeal was awaiting a hearing.
- Historical claims
- Mosque management cited a March 17, 1925 document and a September 13, 1985 Madhya Pradesh government gazette.
Quotes
Inspector Pushpa Panchal
Ujjain Crime Branch police station in-charge who was injured while clearing the road blockade
“This is the place where I grew up, playing and running around, and now I am stepping forward to dismantle it with my own hands. It certainly has an emotional impact. However, if it is necessary for the administration and essential for the Simhastha, then this sacrifice must be made. I am satisfied that we are all doing this together”
thestatesman.com
“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”
thestatesman.com
Sources
Tensions Rise in Ujjain Over Shahi Masjid Road-Widening Project; Police Deploy Tear Gas Amid Stone-Pelting
Ujjain Shahi Masjid row turns violent during road widening; stones pelted, tear gas fired
Ujjain Shahi Masjid Removal Sparks Tension; Stone-Pelting, Tear Gas Reported During Road Widening | VIDEO
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