Ujjain Tension After Shahi Masjid Demolition Drive, 2,500 Police Personnel Deployed

Ujjain-  Tension gripped parts of Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain on Monday after clashes broke out between police and protesters during a demolition drive involving a portion of the Shahi Masjid, which authorities said falls within the alignment of a road being widened for the upcoming Simhastha.

Police said 10 people have been identified and booked in connection with stone-pelting and alleged disruption of public order. A senior police officer said five of those named in the FIR are social media influencers who have been accused of spreading misinformation and contributing to unrest.

According to police, a crowd, including women, allegedly threw stones at personnel deployed to provide security during the demolition operation. Around six policemen sustained injuries and were provided initial medical treatment.

Authorities used tear gas and carried out a cane charge to disperse the gathering and restore order.

Although officials said the immediate situation was brought under control, security was subsequently strengthened, with around 2,500 police personnel, including forces brought in from neighbouring districts, deployed in the area.

Later, a large group of women from the Muslim community gathered at the site and protested against the demolition exercise.

The administration said a section of the mosque measuring approximately 9 feet by 4 feet falls within the proposed alignment of the road being widened for preparations related to Simhastha.

The mosque management, however, maintains that the Shahi Masjid is more than a century old.

The dispute is also before the judiciary, with a hearing scheduled on Monday at the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

The administration and police are continuing to monitor the situation as additional security remains deployed to prevent further disturbances.

Authorities have urged people to maintain peace while the legal proceedings and administrative action continue.