Ujjain, September 28 (Daily Kiran) : Tensions flared in Ujjain on September 28 as protests erupted against plans to partially demolish sections of the historic Shahi Mosque. The situation escalated early in the morning, resulting in violent clashes that included stone throwing. To disperse the crowd, police resorted to using tear gas.
Heavy police presence surrounded the mosque as preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in 2028 intensified. The controversy centers on a project aimed at widening the road from Kanthal Square to the Gopal Temple, a distance of approximately 900 meters. Officials plan to expand the road by 15 meters to accommodate the influx of pilgrims expected during the large Hindu religious event.
Several religious structures lie in the path of this expansion. Authorities have stated that most of the nearly 60 structures affected have already been removed. However, the Shahi Mosque and a nearby shrine have become focal points of opposition in recent days.
The Shahi Mosque, which the community regards as a centuries-old waqf property, is reportedly from around 1390. The proposal includes the partial demolition of key features such as the prayer hall and a minaret.
Previously, the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Indore dismissed petitions challenging notices from the Ujjain Municipal Corporation, which cited public interest and traffic needs for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. The next hearing related to this matter was scheduled for Monday in Indore.
In anticipation of potential unrest, authorities deployed around 2,000 police officers, including heavy machinery for demolition. Since Saturday night, members of the Muslim community began gathering at the mosque and surrounding streets, chanting slogans. The protests continued into Sunday night, prompting police to set up barricades along the Kanthal-Gopal Temple route and monitor the area with drones.
On Monday, as tensions persisted, some youths continued to throw stones at police, who repeatedly deployed tear gas canisters to control the situation. More than 18 canisters were used in efforts to disperse the crowd.
Despite the ongoing unrest, police worked to restore order. During these efforts, a crime branch officer, TI Pushpa Panchal, sustained an injury to her hand while attempting to manage a group of protesting women. She received first aid and had her hand bandaged, but police confirmed that no women in the protest were injured.
Authorities emphasized that the road widening is part of a broader infrastructure improvement initiative for the Kumbh Mela, which anticipates millions of attendees. Similar actions have been taken against various religious and non-religious structures throughout the city to reduce congestion near key sites like the Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Community representatives have demanded that the mosque not be demolished, while officials maintain that the work complies with legal procedures and development plans. As the situation evolves, a significant police presence remains in place around the mosque, with a focus on preventing further escalation during the court hearings.
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