Tension erupted in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain on Monday after a protest over the removal of a portion of the Shahi Masjid for a road-widening project turned confrontational. Police used tear gas after stone-pelting was reported near the site, while a large security contingent was deployed to prevent further unrest. More than 2,000 police personnel were reported to have been stationed in the area, with barricades restricting movement around the mosque.
The dispute centres on a portion of the Shahi Masjid that falls within the alignment of a road being widened ahead of the Simhastha religious gathering in 2028. Officials have said the project is aimed at improving traffic movement and handling the large number of pilgrims expected to visit Ujjain. Reports say the Rs 9.8-crore project involves widening a 730-metre stretch to 15 metres and affects about 272 structures.
Shahi Masjid partial removal sparks confrontation
According to the administration, representatives associated with the mosque had begun removing the affected portion themselves after discussions with officials. However, another section of residents opposed the action and gathered near the structure, leading to a tense standoff. Police said some people later threw stones at security personnel, prompting the use of tear gas and mild force to disperse the crowd.
Authorities said the situation was subsequently brought under control and appealed to residents not to believe rumours circulating about the issue. Security remained tight around the mosque, with surveillance measures and restrictions placed around the affected area.
The road-widening project has also affected other properties and religious structures. The Madhya Pradesh High Court, in a September 9 order, dismissed petitions challenging the municipal corporation’s action and said the road project had been undertaken after following statutory procedures. The court also noted that other religious structures had been affected by widening work and rejected claims that the mosque had been singled out solely because it was a religious property.
Simhastha 2028 road widening remains at centre of dispute
The municipal project is part of wider infrastructure preparations for Simhastha 2028. Local authorities say the expansion is necessary to improve road capacity, traffic management and public safety during the major religious gathering.
The controversy has also drawn political attention. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi opposed the removal and urged the administration to consider religious and heritage concerns. His objections contrast with the administration’s position that the work is part of a broader development project affecting hundreds of structures rather than a measure directed specifically at the mosque.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also removed part of his ancestral property that falls within the road project, saying public representatives should cooperate with development work.
A further court challenge concerning the mosque was listed for hearing on September 28. As of the latest reports reviewed for this article, a final outcome from that hearing had not been reliably reported. Meanwhile, police and district officials continued to appeal for calm as work and security arrangements remained in place around the affected area.
