Tensions Flare in Ujjain Over Road-Widening Project for Simhastha 2028; Over a Dozen Detained

Security was heightened across Ujjain on Monday after clashes broke out during an anti-encroachment drive connected to infrastructure preparations for Simhastha Kumbh 2028. Police deployed tear gas and used light baton charges to scatter crowds who pelted stones in protest against the trimming of a section of the historic Shahi Masjid at Chhatri Chowk.

The unrest occurred despite an overnight consensus where mosque representatives and religious leaders agreed to independently dismantle the structure’s front alignment rather than having municipal bulldozers execute the demolition.

Legal Resolution in High Court

Later on Monday, a division bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Indore—comprising Justice Subodh Abhyankar and Justice Jai Kumar Pillai—disposed of two writ appeals filed by representatives of the mosque committee. The court noted that the dispute stood resolved with the Ujjain Municipal Corporation (UMC) and held that the civic body’s assurances would remain binding.

Counsel representing the Muslim side stated that the agreed-upon demolition was reduced from an initial 9.5 feet to roughly three feet, alongside plans to reposition the minaret internally and provide alternative shop allotments for affected ground-floor vendors. Civic authorities clarified to the court that less than 10 percent of the mosque is impacted and highlighted that more than 80 other religious structures, mostly temples, are undergoing similar modifications along the planned 900-metre corridor between Kanthal crossing and Gopal Mandir.

Sporadic Clashes and Police Action

The confrontation surfaced around 10:15 AM when groups gathered near Anda Gali, close to the mosque. When security forces intervened to disperse the gathering, stone-pelting erupted from adjacent alleyways. Crime Branch Inspector Pushpa Panchal suffered a hand injury while managing crowds, while another demonstration blocked traffic along Agar Road before being cleared.

Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma confirmed that 15 individuals were detained, several were arrested, and first information reports (FIRs) were registered against seven people—including digital influencers accused of sharing provocative content. SP Sharma noted that drone reconnaissance and CCTV footage are being scrutinized to trace agitators, with roughly 2,500 police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel deployed to maintain order.

Local authorities, including Ujjain Collector Roshan Singh and Shahar Qazi Khali Kurre Rehman, appealed to residents to disregard misinformation and maintain communal harmony. Both officials emphasized that community leaders across faiths have actively cooperated in voluntary clearances along the designated master-plan route ahead of the major religious congregation.