Tear Gas, Lathi Charge In Protesters vs Cops Over Ujjain Mosque Removal

There was a showdown between cops and a large group of people in Ujjain on Monday at the spot where a portion of the Shahi Masjid is proposed to be demolished as part of a road-widening project, showed videos from the scene. 

Police used tear gas shells to control the restive crowd as stones were thrown at the security personnel, showed videos. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel are also present at the spot.

A group of people and cops clashed in Ujjain over mosque demolition

The road-widening initiative forms part of the broader infrastructure overhaul being undertaken in Ujjain to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims expected during the Simhastha Mela in 2028. 272 structures have been marked for demolition. 

The Shahi Masjid, described by community members as a centuries-old Waqf property (with some accounts dating it to around 1390), is proposed for partial demolition affecting portions of the prayer hall, a minaret, and related structures.

Chaotic secenes witnessed in Ujjain

The Madhya Pradesh High Court in Indore had earlier dismissed petitions challenging the Ujjain Municipal Corporation's notices, citing public interest and traffic needs for the upcoming Simhastha. A further hearing related to the matter was scheduled for Monday at the Indore High Court.

#BREAKING | Showdown erupts over the Shahi Mosque demolition drive in Ujjain. Heavy police deployment follows clashes between protesters and cops@DesaiTanushri reports pic.twitter.com/ptwKq3YoO7

— NDTV (@ndtv) September 28, 2026

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi has objected to the demolition of the Masjid Complex and called on the state government to respect sentiments.

"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. 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?" the Congress MP said. 

"Thousands of youth in Ujjain are continuously raising their voices on this issue. 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," the MP added.

Ujjain Municipal Corporation Chairperson Kalawati Yadav explained the scale of preparations underway for the upcoming religious gathering, as it is one of the biggest spiritual gatherings that happens 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.