The violence hit the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh on Monday with a conflict between the police and a large gathering demanding the revocation of the proposal to demolish part of the Shahi Masjid ahead of the Simhastha 2028 day.
The videos taken on the spot indicate police fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob after it was seen throwing stones at them. In the area came-in-play of Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel as the situation worsened. The violence broke out as police started excavating the part of the mosque inside the planned road corridor, reports said.
The road widening work is being done in preparation for the Simhastha Mela in 2028, which will host a large number of pilgrims in Ujjain. The work is being done on a 730m stretch, and will be used to make the road wider, for traffic and movement around the Mahakaleshwar Temple. There are reportedly 272 properties that have been identified for removal or modification.
Shahi Masjid is one of the registered Waqf property. It has been described by the representatives of the community as a structure of centuries old age and that it dates back to the year of about 1390. The proposed action will impact portions of prayer hall, minaret, and associated structures.
On September 9, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had rejected petitions against the notices issued by the municipal corporation. Justice said the authorities had done the proper thing as per the law, and they had taken the issue of road widening into account keeping in mind traffic management and public safety during Simhastha.
The mosque leaders have persistently opposed this action, and a further hearing is set for Monday before the Indore bench.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi has also “withdrawn” the proposed removal, stating that the administration must take into account community sentiment when engaging in development work. The current tensions come on top of worries regarding the preparations for the 2028 religious event in Ujjain.