RismadarVoice Reporters
September 30, 2026
Tension has risen in Ujjain, India’s Madhya Pradesh state, after part of a historic mosque was demolished to make way for a road expansion project ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Hundreds of Muslims gathered around the Shahi Masjid in the Chhatri Chowk area on Monday to protest the planned demolition, prompting a heavy deployment of security personnel.
The road project is part of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years along the Kshipra River.
Residents said the Ujjain Municipal Corporation had issued a notice requiring part of the mosque to be removed for the road expansion. Discussions subsequently took place between the mosque’s management and local authorities over how much of the structure would be affected.
Resident Zeeshan Khan said authorities initially sought the removal of a larger section before an agreement was reached to reduce the portion to be demolished.
Tensions increased after security personnel and demolition equipment were deployed around the mosque.
Authorities said social media posts, including content allegedly generated using artificial intelligence, fuelled rumours that the entire mosque would be demolished, contributing to the large gathering outside the building.
Members of the Muslim community were subsequently allowed to dismantle the affected section themselves, with dozens of men using hand tools to remove part of the structure.
“We demolished it with our own hands,” Khan said, describing the development as painful for the community.
The situation later deteriorated as protesters clashed with police. Security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd, while reports indicated that some protesters threw stones.
Several people were reportedly injured, and several protesters were arrested during the confrontation.
Khan said authorities removed part of the mosque’s minaret on Tuesday but that demolition had not extended to the interior of the building.
Security personnel have since restricted access to the area around the Shahi Masjid amid efforts to prevent further unrest.
Members of the Muslim community had also approached the court seeking to stop the demolition. The petition was dismissed, with authorities maintaining that additional space was required to accommodate visitors expected for the 2028 pilgrimage and improve traffic management.
The dispute has drawn attention from Muslim organisations and religious leaders, some of whom have raised concerns about legal protections for places of worship.
A Muslim group, including lawmakers and religious leaders, also demonstrated in New Delhi on Tuesday, calling for greater protection of religious sites and adherence to legal procedures.
Authorities have maintained security around the mosque as preparations for the road expansion and the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela continue.
