Seven Arrested Amid Ujjain Mosque Demolition Protests
Clashes erupt in Ujjain as residents protest the demolition of part of Shahi Mosque for road expansion ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028.
Seven individuals arrested following clashes over mosque demolition.
Demolition is part of road widening for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Local authorities confirm the situation is now under control.
Tensions escalated in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on September 28, 2026, as clashes erupted between local Muslim residents and police over the planned demolition of a section of the Shahi Mosque. This action is part of a broader road-widening project aimed at accommodating the expected influx of visitors for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028. Authorities reported that at least seven individuals were taken into custody following the unrest, which began the previous night.
The conflict arose when rumors circulated that the mosque was being demolished without consent. Ujjain Collector Roshan Kumar Singh clarified that the community members were involved in the demolition process, but some individuals instigated violence by throwing stones at police officers. The police responded with mild force, resulting in minor injuries to some personnel. Singh emphasized that only a small portion of the mosque at Chhatri Chowk was necessary for the road project.
Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma stated that the situation has since stabilized, with demolition work commencing at 9 a.m. on the same day. He confirmed that a case has been filed against those spreading misinformation regarding the demolition. The police are actively working to identify and apprehend individuals responsible for inciting unrest.
In a video message, Ujjain city Qazi Khali Kurre Rehman urged community members to disregard rumors and assured them that the matter had been amicably resolved overnight. He emphasized that the demolition was proceeding as planned and advised residents to avoid unnecessary visits to the site based on unfounded claims.
The road-widening project, which extends from Kanthal crossing to Gopal Mandir, is set to increase the road width to 15 meters over a 900-meter stretch. This initiative follows a ruling from the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which dismissed petitions opposing the mosque's demolition on September 9, 2026. The court highlighted the necessity of the project for public safety and the management of traffic during the upcoming religious event.
