People clash with police, stones pelted, tear gas fired: What’s happening in Ujjain

On Monday morning, a clash erupted outside Ujjain's Shahi Masjid as residents opposing the removal of a section of the mosque for road widening engaged in confrontation with the police. Stones were reportedly thrown at security personnel, leading to the police firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. The incident unfolded as the Ujjain Municipal Corporation initiated the removal of the mosque portion within the proposed road widening alignment ahead of Simhastha 2028.

A large crowd had gathered at the site upon the commencement of the action, leading to a face-off between the police and protesters. Police personnel maintained a heavy presence around the mosque following an overnight standoff where hundreds of residents and Muslim community members had congregated to prevent the planned demolition.

The administration has deployed approximately 2,000 police personnel in the area, with barricades erected and movement restricted within a 500-meter radius to prevent the situation from escalating further. Senior police and administrative officials are present at the scene. The clash marks the continuation of a two-day resistance by residents to the proposed removal, with a significant standoff occurring on Sunday night when police and municipal teams arrived with heavy machinery, thwarted by a sizable gathering outside the mosque.

Despite efforts for discussions and an understanding that might have involved community members removing the affected portion, opposition resumed when the removal process began on Monday. The dispute revolves around the proposed widening of the road between Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir, a 900-meter stretch being expanded to 15 meters in preparation for Simhastha 2028.

Several religious structures fall within this alignment, with most already removed, leaving the Shahi Masjid as the focal point of resistance. The mosque committee and Muslim community members argue for an alternative widening route or removal of structures opposite the mosque, challenging the proposal in court as well. The Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed two petitions challenging the municipal corporation's decision on September 9, affirming that the authorities followed proper procedures and that the removal would not violate constitutional rights.

The mosque committee subsequently appealed to a Division Bench, with the matter set for hearing on Monday.