Stone-pelting occurred during a protest on Monday morning over the removal of a portion of the Shahi Masjid in Ujjain, following which the police fired tear gas and a heavy police force was deployed in the city.
मध्य प्रदेश: उज्जैन में शाही मस्जिद पर तोड़फोड़ से पहले पथराव, पुलिस ने छोड़े आंसू गैस के गोले, 2000 जवान तैनात, हालात काबू
- Stone-pelting in Ujjain over the removal of Shahi Masjid; police fire tear gas shells.
- Around 2,000 police personnel deployed in the city; female TI Pushpa Panchal injured.
- Action taken to remove a portion of the mosque as part of road widening for Simhasth-2028.
- Matter pending in the High Court; hearing scheduled before a division bench on Monday.
A dispute has escalated in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, regarding road widening work undertaken in preparation for Simhasth-2028. On Monday morning, a Municipal Corporation team began the process of removing a section of the Shahi Masjid that fell within the alignment of the road widening project between Kanthal Square and Gopal Mandir. The local Muslim community had been opposing this move for the past two days. A crowd gathered at the site on Monday morning even before the operation began in the presence of the police. A confrontation ensued between the crowd and the police, leading the police to fire tear gas shells to disperse the mob.
A heavy police force, accompanied by JCB and Poclain machines, had arrived at the site on Sunday night as well. Following this, a large number of people took to the streets, and protests continued late into the night. A crowd gathered again on Monday morning. Assessing the situation, the administration increased security at the site and held discussions with community representatives. Tensions currently prevail in the area.
2,000 police personnel deployed; female TI injured
Approximately 2,000 police personnel have been deployed across Ujjain city to maintain law and order; this includes personnel from the RAF and STF. Following the stone-pelting, the police intensified their efforts and cleared the crowd from the site. Female TI Pushpa Panchal sustained an injury to her hand while on law and order duty.
The administration has also held discussions with the city’s Qazi, Khalikur Rahman. Meanwhile, in view of the ongoing protests, a heavy police presence remains deployed at the site. High Court Case Regarding Road Widening
Efforts are currently underway in Ujjain to widen roads and improve traffic management in preparation for Simhastha 2028. In this context, an issue has arisen regarding the proposed widening of Gopal Mandir Road, which would affect a portion of the Shahi Masjid. The Muslim community has registered its protest, fearing the demolition of the mosque.
A petition regarding this matter was filed in the High Court. After a single-judge bench dismissed the petition, an appeal was filed before a division bench. A scheduled hearing on Friday could not take place, and the matter is now set to be heard on Monday. Mohammad Ibrahim, the Imam of Shahi Masjid, has appealed to the administration to protect the religious site, expressing concerns that it might be damaged.
Amidst the road-widening operations and the ongoing High Court case, the situation in Ujjain became tense on Monday morning. The administration has stepped up security arrangements and is also holding discussions with representatives of the community.
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