Ujjain witnessed heightened tension on Monday as protests erupted over the proposed removal of a portion of the historic Shahi Masjid for a road-widening project linked to preparations for the Simhastha 2028 religious gathering. Stones were reportedly thrown at police personnel, following which security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The dispute centres on a municipal plan to widen a key road to improve infrastructure and facilitate the movement of pilgrims during the upcoming Simhastha event. The project involves 272 structures, with a portion of the Shahi Masjid falling within the proposed road alignment. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier dismissed petitions challenging the planned partial demolition, allowing the authorities to proceed with the road-widening work.
According to the court order, the proposed action concerns parts of the mosque, including a section of the prayer hall, a minaret and the Mazhar Chouk Shahi. The petitioners had argued that the structure was an ancient religious site and that its removal would violate constitutional protections. The court, however, accepted the administration’s position regarding the road-widening project and the requirements associated with managing large pilgrim movement.
On Monday, protesters gathered around the mosque as authorities moved ahead with the removal process. Police imposed extensive security arrangements, with reports indicating that around 2,000 personnel were deployed and barricades established within 500 metres of the site.
The confrontation has intensified the dispute over balancing religious structures, civic infrastructure and preparations for the major pilgrimage event.
