Tension escalated in Ujjain on Monday during protests against the proposed removal of a portion of the historic Shahi Masjid for road widening ahead of Simhastha 2028. Police fired tear gas shells after a stone-pelting incident was reported in the area.
Heavy police deployment remains around the mosque as authorities try to control the situation.
The developments came on the day the Madhya Pradesh High Court was scheduled to hear an appeal filed by the mosque authorities against the proposed removal of part of the structure.
Police Officer Injured While Removing Women Protesters
Earlier on Monday, Crime Branch TI Pushpa Panchal suffered an injury to her hand while police were trying to move women protesters away from the area.
According to the police, some women were moving forward during the protest. Female police personnel approached them as they stood under a sheet. Panchal’s hand was cut by the edge of the sheet during the attempt to safely move the women.
She was given first aid and a bandage. Police said no woman was injured.
Panchal said the incident was part of her law and order duty.
“While removing the women, they were under the cover of a sheet. During this, the edge of the sheet cut my hand. No woman was injured and everyone is safe. I have received first aid. This is law and order duty and part of the police’s responsibility,” she said.
Muslim Community Had Gathered Around Mosque
A large number of people from the Muslim community had gathered around the Shahi Masjid since Sunday night to oppose the proposed removal.
Police and administrative officials were deployed in large numbers around the area. The administration had earlier said it was trying to resolve the issue through dialogue and had not immediately proceeded with demolition.
The dispute is linked to a road widening project being carried out ahead of Simhastha 2028. The Ujjain Municipal Corporation plans to widen the road to 15 metres, with a portion of the mosque falling within the proposed alignment.
Mosque Authorities Challenge Proposed Removal
The mosque authorities have challenged the proposed action before the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
On September 9, a single judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed petitions challenging the proposed removal. The court said the municipal corporation had followed the required procedure and allowed affected parties an opportunity to raise objections.
The court also noted that portions of 10 temples and one mosque had been removed along the same road as part of the road widening exercise.
The mosque committee has now approached a division bench, with the matter scheduled for hearing on Monday.
Owaisi Backs Protest
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also commented on the protests, describing the community’s demonstration as “Gandhian” and opposing the removal of mosques and other religious properties.
The immediate situation remained tense on Monday as police continued to maintain a heavy presence around the Shahi Masjid following the stone pelting and use of tear gas.
The administration’s road widening project is part of preparations for Simhastha 2028, while members of the Muslim community have demanded that the mosque be excluded from the proposed alignment.
