Full Breakdown
Tensions Rise in Ujjain Over Partial Demolition of Shahi Masjid for Road-Widening
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident (September 28, 2026)
On Monday, a crowd gathered at the Shahi Masjid complex in Ujjain to oppose the removal of a portion of the mosque that lies within the alignment of a road-widening project. Protesters hurled stones at police; the police responded with tear-gas shells and mild force. Police reported minor injuries among personnel and the detention of 15 people, with FIRs filed against seven. Officials say the demolition is being carried out with the consent of the mosque committee and continued under a security perimeter.
Background & Context
The road-widening scheme is part of the city’s preparation for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela scheduled for March 2028. The Ujjain Municipal Corporation has earmarked roughly 272 structures—including temples, a mosque and private buildings—for alteration along a stretch between Kanthal Crossing and Gopal Mandir. The state government has sanctioned about INR9.8 crore for the project. On September 27, 2026, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav used a pickaxe to begin dismantling a portion of his ancestral home, urging residents to cooperate.
Timeline
- September 9, 2026 – Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore bench dismissed two petitions challenging the municipal notice.
- September 27, 2026 – CM Yadav initiates demolition of his ancestral house.
- September 28, 2026 – Protesters occupy the mosque site; stone-pelting and police tear-gas deployment occur as demolition proceeds.
- Following day – The High Court’s Division Bench hears appeals after parties report a settlement.
Official Statements & Responses
Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma said the police were attempting dialogue, had set up a full security perimeter and were using tear-gas and mild force only against “miscreants.” He added that demolition is being carried out by the mosque committee itself and that CCTV and drone footage are being used to identify perpetrators.
Ujjain Collector Roshan Singh emphasized that the road-widening is essential for managing traffic during Simhastha 2028 and that many community members, including those from the mosque, are voluntarily cooperating.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav framed his personal demolition as an emotional sacrifice meant to set an example for other residents whose properties lie in the alignment.
Criticism & Opposition
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi condemned the demolition, calling it “the height of hatred” and urging the government to seek alternative land acquisition.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi linked the demolition to his earlier parliamentary concerns about the Waqf Amendment law, alleging it enables authorities to take control of Muslim religious properties.
Imam Mohammad Ibrahim asserted that the Shahi Masjid dates back to 1390, making it a heritage site, and argued that religious structures should be excluded from the road-widening.
Mosque representative Mohammad Zakir said the community had already given as much as possible under Sharia law and could not surrender any part of the mosque.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Road-widening length: sources differ between 900 m and 730 m.
- Age of the mosque: the imam claims a 636-year history, while heritage databases note the construction date is undocumented.
- Extent of demolition: initial notices mentioned about 11 ft; the settlement reduced it to roughly 3 ft, with some reports citing 9.5 ft.
- Police strength: estimates vary from 600 to over 2,500 officers.
What’s Next
The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Division Bench is scheduled to hear further appeals concerning the settlement and the implementation of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) compensation. The administration has indicated that demolition will proceed only after the agreed-upon portion is removed and that security will remain heightened until the road-widening work is completed.
