UJJAIN, INDIA: Tensions remained high in the central Indian city of Ujjain on Monday after clashes broke out between police and Muslim community protesters opposing the proposed demolition of part of the over 600-year-old historic Shahi Masjid as part of a road-widening project.
According to the historic mosque’s imam, Mohammad Ibrahim, it dates back to 1390, which would make it about 636 years old in 2026.
The confrontation took place near the mosque along the stretch between Kanthal Square and Gopal Mandir, where authorities are carrying out work ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Mela.
Members of the Muslim community had gathered at the site overnight to oppose the removal of part of the mosque.
Thousands of local residents reportedly gathered in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, at midnight to protest against the proposed demolition of the 600-year-old Shahi Mosque. The gathering reflects strong local opposition to the reported demolition plan. pic.twitter.com/4CRz9lShe0
— Buzz.info (@buzzpostpk) September 28, 2026
Police fired tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters. Local reports also said police used batons to disperse the peaceful crowd. Many protesters sustained injuries.
More than 2,500 police personnel and officers have been deployed in the city, while Rapid Action Force personnel were also brought in to reinforce security. Police were continuing to monitor the area using CCTV cameras and drones.
Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma said authorities had anticipated the possibility of unrest and were taking action against those found involved in protests and disturbances.
A 600yr old Shahi Mosque is going to partially demolished in Ujjain, India, by the Hindutva regime for a Hindu Simhastha mela. As hundreds of Muslims protesting against it , police use teargas to disperse them. pic.twitter.com/CyxaLUbVr9
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) September 28, 2026
The mosque committee and local Muslim residents have opposed the removal, arguing that the road should instead be widened from the opposite side or through an alternative alignment. The mosque is registered as a Waqf property
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Police said it also cleared a road blockade attempted by a group of women after counselling them and showing them footage of the situation, Sharma claimed.
The dispute centres on a road-widening project along the route between Kanthal Square and Gopal Mandir. Muslim residents and mosque representatives have questioned why the road could not instead be widened from the opposite side, while arguing that religious structures should be protected.
Earlier, a portion of the Shahi Masjid was removed as part of the road-widening work.
The development has drawn opposition from the Muslim community and prompted wider debate over the treatment of religious sites during infrastructure projects. Ujjain City Qazi Khaliqur Rahman appealed to members of the Muslim community to remain calm and avoid unnecessary gatherings.
The dispute has continued to fuel tensions as Ujjain prepares for Simhastha 2028, with authorities citing traffic management and public safety during the major religious gathering as reasons for widening the road.
