Full Breakdown
Ujjain’s Shahi Masjid Standoff: Road-Widening, Protests and Legal Battles
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 28, 2026, a crowd gathered at the Shahi Masjid in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and hurled stones at police. Security forces responded with tear-gas shells and mild force. The clash began as municipal workers started removing a portion of the mosque that lies within a road-widening project intended for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh pilgrimage.
Background & Context
The Ujjain Municipal Corporation plans to widen a congested stretch between Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir to 15 metres. The project, budgeted at INR9.8 crore, is part of the “Ujjain Development Plan 2035” to handle the expected pilgrim influx.
On September 27, 2026, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav used a pickaxe to begin demolition of a portion of his ancestral home, signalling the administration’s commitment. The plan earmarks 272 structures, including religious sites, for alteration or removal.
Data & Statistics
- Road-widening length: roughly 900 metres (some reports cite 730 metres).
- Structures affected: 272 (other outlets mention 274).
- Funding: INR9.8 crore.
- Security deployment: over 2,500 police personnel, Rapid Action Force units, CCTV and drone monitoring.
- Injuries: several police officers suffered minor injuries; a Crime Branch inspector sustained a cut hand.
Official Statements & Responses
Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma said the police were attempting dialogue and had deployed “adequate force” to maintain peace, pausing demolition pending discussions. Municipal chairperson Kalawati Yadav highlighted the necessity of the road-widening for traffic management during Simhastha.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench, in its September 9 order, dismissed two petitions challenging the demolition, noting compliance with legal requirements and similar actions affecting other religious structures.
Criticism & Opposition
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi condemned the demolition, calling it “the height of hatred” and urging the state to acquire land from the opposite side of the road.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi labeled the demolition a “Gandhian way” protest against a policy he said was intended to seize Waqf properties, stating, “What I had expressed in Parliament is now proving to be true.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents of the Muslim community occupied the mosque overnight on September 27 to prevent demolition. On the morning of September 28, stone-pelting escalated, prompting police to fire tear-gas shells. Video footage showed women being pushed forward as they attempted to advance, and a Crime Branch inspector was injured by a sheet edge while moving a crowd. Police reported that some agitators arrived from outside the district and were detained at the city border.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Age of the mosque: Imam Mohammad Ibrahim claims the Shahi Masjid dates to 1390 (making it 636 years old), but archaeology experts note the construction date is undocumented.
- Length of the road stretch: The Hindu cites 900 metres, while News 18 and Economic Times refer to 730 metres.
- Number of affected structures: Sources differ between 272 and 274 structures slated for demolition.
Verbatim Quote
- “We have deployed adequate force to maintain peace in the area. We have had conversations with the masjid committee members over the issue and explained the legalities of the case. We are trying our best to convince them to demolish the structures themselves. We are not proceeding with any demolition for now and are trying to sort this out through dialogue,” — Police Pradeep Sharma