Ujjain Mosque Incident: AI Misinformation Sparks Unrest
Misleading AI-generated content regarding the Shahi Mosque's demolition incited clashes in Ujjain, prompting police action.
AI videos misrepresented a planned mosque removal as a total demolition.
Police registered an FIR against those spreading false information.
Calm has returned to the area as the mosque committee proceeds with the removal.
In Ujjain, tensions escalated on Monday due to the circulation of AI-generated videos and images that falsely depicted the demolition of the Shahi Mosque. The police reported that these misleading materials were shared on social media, inciting unrest and leading to clashes between protestors and law enforcement during a scheduled removal of parts of the mosque for a road-widening project in preparation for Simhastha 2028.
The situation was exacerbated by messages that drew comparisons to the Babri Mosque demolition, misleadingly portraying the event as a complete demolition orchestrated by the authorities. In reality, the mosque committee had reached an agreement with the administration for a planned removal of a section of the mosque. This misunderstanding fueled rumors and mobilized crowds, resulting in confrontations with police forces.
Authorities have taken legal action, filing an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against individuals responsible for disseminating the false information. Among those identified was Imran Khan, who posted a call to action on Instagram, urging people to gather at Chhatri Chowk. Another individual, Arif Pathan, was noted for encouraging assembly near the mosque at an early hour, further inflaming the situation.
The administration clarified that the mosque committee had initiated the removal process following discussions with community representatives. A large crowd had gathered overnight, and despite an agreement reached in the early hours, tensions flared again later that morning, leading to stone-throwing incidents directed at police. In response, law enforcement employed lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the agitated crowd.
On Tuesday, Ujjain District Collector Roshan Kumar Singh reported that peace had been restored at the Shahi Masjid site, where the mosque committee was continuing with the removal of the affected structure under heavy security. Singh emphasized that the situation was under control and that strict measures would be enforced against those attempting to disrupt the peace.
