Fifteen detained after clashes over Ujjain mosque demolition work

Police detained 15 people and registered seven cases after clashes broke out in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, over the planned removal of a portion of the Shahi Mosque for a road-widening project. The incident occurred near the Mahakaleshwar Temple on Monday, ahead of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028. Officials said the situation was peaceful later, although heavy security remained in sensitive areas.

Police said some community members had agreed to remove a three-foot overhang after discussions with the administration. Another group then protested and tried to reach the mosque, leading to clashes with security personnel. Some police personnel were injured in stone-pelting.

Ujjain’s Inspector General of Police, Rakesh Gupta, said officers used mild force, including a baton charge and tear gas, to bring the situation under control. A group also protested outside the residence of the city qazi and threw stones, he said. Officials attributed the tension to a rumour that bulldozers were being used on the mosque.

Seven cases were registered for incidents including the attack on the qazi’s house, spreading misinformation and allegedly instigating people. Police said they were examining social-media posts, CCTV footage and drone recordings. The city qazi urged residents not to believe rumours or visit the site unnecessarily.

Ujjain officials said only a small portion of the mosque, on a 900-metre road-widening stretch, needed to be removed. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had dismissed petitions opposing the proposed demolition on September 9. Later on Monday, it disposed of two further petitions after Muslim representatives told the court that the matter had been settled with the municipal corporation.