Ujjain mosque demolition: Locals clash with police, tear gas used, stones pelted as High Court set to hear matter

Security has been strengthened in the area, with a heavy police presence deployed to prevent any further escalation.

A clash was reported between police and a large group of people in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain on Monday at the site where a portion of the Shahi Masjid is proposed to be demolished as part of a road-widening project.

A heavy police presence has been deployed in the area amid the tension. The dispute over the proposed demolition is also scheduled to come up before the High Court today.

Tear gas used to disperse crowd 

Police fired tear gas shells to disperse a crowd in Ujjain after stone-pelting was reported during a clash between a large group of people and police after clash intesified. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have also been deployed at the spot.

Police deployed at site

A large number of people gathered at the spot where a portion of the mosque is planned to be removed for the road-widening work. The situation turned tense after clashes broke out between the group and police personnel.

Security has been strengthened in the area, with a heavy police presence deployed to prevent any further escalation.

Congress opposes demolition order

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi has opposed the proposed demolition of the Shahi Masjid complex in Ujjain and urged the state government and local administration to take public sentiment into consideration.

“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,” Pratapgarhi said.

He questioned the administration’s decision to proceed with demolition-related activity while the matter is pending before the court.

“It has come to my notice that when the matter is pending in court, what message does the administration intend to send by repeatedly laying siege to the masjid? Thousands of youth in Ujjain are continuously raising their voices on this issue,” he said.

The Congress MP appealed to the Ujjain administration to consider alternative land for the road-widening project.

“My request to the Ujjain administration is to respect public sentiments and acquire the necessary land for road widening from the other side. Demolishing such a historically significant heritage site cannot be considered a normal event under any circumstances,” he said.

Mohan Yadav’s ancestral home also demolished

Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav initiated several development works in Ujjain, with demolition activity also carried out at his ancestral home.

As many as 272 structures have been marked for demolition as part of a road-widening project in Ujjain ahead of the Simhastha 2028 fair.

Speaking on the occasion, Yadav said the demolition of his childhood home carried personal significance but was necessary in the larger interest of the city and the upcoming religious gathering.

“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,” he said.

Yadav said his decision was also intended to set an example for other residents whose properties are being affected by the project.

“The entire state and the country are watching this. People are demolishing their homes willingly and happily, dedicating themselves to the cause so that others may benefit greatly,” he said.

Ujjain gears up for Simhastha 2028

Ujjain Municipal Corporation Chairperson Kalawati Yadav outlined the scale of preparations underway for the upcoming religious gathering, describing it as one of the world’s largest spiritual events, held once every 12 years.

“In 2028, Ujjain will host the Simhastha Mela, one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings, held every 12 years on the banks of the Shipra River. Extensive preparations are underway, including around 29 kilometres of new ghats, a diversion project, dams and other infrastructure works to improve the city. With millions of devotees expected, road widening has become essential,” she said.

The road-widening project is part of a broader infrastructure overhaul in Ujjain aimed at preparing the city for the expected influx of pilgrims during the Simhastha Mela in 2028.

High Court to hear matter

The legal dispute over the proposed demolition is set to be heard by the High Court today.

The hearing comes amid heightened tensions at the site and opposition to the planned removal of a portion of the Shahi Masjid.

This is a developing news story; further details are expected after the court hearing.

(with ANI inputs)

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