MP’s Ujjain Shahi Masjid Removal Sees Stone-Pelting, Tear Gas As 1,000 Personnel Deployed

On Sunday night, officials in Ujjain reached an agreement with the Muslim community to remove a portion of the Shahi Masjid that fell within a proposed road-widening project. Around 1 am, the administration imposed BNS Section 163 in four police station areas, deploying heavy police force to maintain order. The removal work began at around 8.30 am but was met with resistance from a section of the community who threw stones at security personnel.

This led to the deployment of tear-gas shells and a lathi-charge by the police. Around noon, a large crowd gathered at Tanki Chauraha, where stones were thrown at officials attempting to appeal for calm. Tear-gas was again used, and three youths were detained but later released. About 1,000 personnel were deployed throughout the day to monitor the situation.

The task of removing the affected portion of the mosque, which is largely constructed of stone, was completed manually due to concerns over the structure's stability. Despite the tense atmosphere, the Muslim community and administration managed to maintain communal harmony, allowing a Ganesh immersion procession to pass through the area.