Ujjain mosque demolition: Clash erupts over road-widening project

BHOPAL: Tension erupted in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain after authorities moved to demolish a portion of the Shahi Masjid as part of a road-widening project. A clash broke out between police and local residents. Police used tear gas and resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the protesters. The protesters then pelted stones at the police. Following the escalation, the demolition work was temporarily halted.

Road-widening work is underway in Ujjain as part of preparations for the famous Simhastha Mela, which is scheduled to be held in 2028. The Ujjain Municipal Corporation has decided to demolish 272 structures as part of the project. The Shahi Masjid is among the structures included in the plan. The civic body has issued a notice to demolish a portion of the centuries-old Shahi Masjid, a Waqf property believed to have been built in 1390. The portion marked for demolition includes the prayer hall and minaret.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier dismissed petitions challenging the Ujjain Municipal Corporation's notice. The court's decision was based on considerations of public interest and traffic congestion. The latest clash occurred ahead of a fresh hearing in the matter before the court.