Tension gripped parts of Ujjain on Monday after protests against the proposed removal of a portion of Shahi Masjid for a road-widening project ahead of Simhastha Kumbh preparations escalated into clashes between police and a crowd.
Police fired tear gas shells and resorted to a baton charge to disperse protesters after stone-pelting was reported at the site. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were deployed as security was tightened in the area.
The confrontation began in the morning when a large gathering opposed the planned removal of a section of the mosque falling within the road-widening zone.
More than 2,500 police personnel and officers have been deployed across Ujjain to maintain law and order. Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma was present at the site, while an alert was issued across the city amid the tense situation.
Collector says mosque portion being removed voluntarily
Amid the unrest, District Collector Raushan Kumar said the portion of Shahi Masjid at Kshatriya Chowk falling within the road-widening area was being removed voluntarily by members of the community and the religious group associated with it.
He described the cooperation extended by religious groups and residents towards the infrastructure project as a positive development.
“The most positive aspect observed so far is the voluntary cooperation of individuals, religious groups, and communities in the road-widening initiative. For instance, the section of the Shahi Masjid at Kshatriya Chowk that falls within the widening zone is being removed voluntarily by members of the community and the religious group associated with it; this sets an excellent example,” he said.
Kumar appealed to residents to exercise caution and refrain from sharing unverified information about the demolition and road-widening work.
“I would like to urge everyone not to pay heed to rumors, misinformation, or misleading reports, as this work is being carried out voluntarily by the community and religious groups themselves,” Kumar said.
Warning of action against those attempting to spread misinformation, the collector added, “Strict action will be taken against anyone spreading rumours under any circumstances,” he said.
Ujjain City Qazi appeals for peace, urges people to avoid rumours
Ujjain City Qazi Khaliqur Rahman also appealed to members of the Muslim community to maintain peace and avoid unnecessary gatherings in markets or moving towards market areas amid developments surrounding Shahi Masjid.
He urged residents to allow the work covered under the agreement to proceed and not to react to rumours circulating about the situation.
“The work for which an agreement has been reached is being completed, and the concerned people are carrying out their work. Therefore, do not pay attention to any rumours. Do not come out of your homes because of rumours. Maintain peace and stay inside your homes,” Khaliqur Rahman said.
The road-widening project is part of preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh in Ujjain, with authorities stepping up security and appealing for cooperation to prevent further escalation.