Ujjain: Ujjain remained tense on Monday after protests against the removal of part of the historic Shahi Masjid for a road-widening project turned violent, prompting the deployment of more than 2,500 police personnel and officers.
The widening project covers the road linking Kanthal Square to Gopal Mandir, a key route being upgraded ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Mela. Members of the Muslim community had maintained a presence near the Shahi Masjid through the night to oppose the proposed alteration to the mosque.
The standoff turned confrontational after police were allegedly targeted with stones. Officers used tear gas and reportedly resorted to baton charges to push the protesters back. A Crime Branch inspector was injured in the hand during the incident, according to local reports.
RAF units were brought in as the unrest continued. Tear-gas shells were fired repeatedly while protesters tried to move through lanes around the site. Women were reportedly placed at the front of the gathering, and officials also faced efforts to obstruct nearby roads, as reported by The New Indian Express.
Security Tightened Across Ujjain
SP Pradeep Sharma oversaw the response from the site as additional forces were positioned across the city. Police deployed drones and CCTV surveillance to identify those involved in the violence and said cases would be filed against anyone found disrupting public order.
Sharma said the administration had made advance arrangements after assessing the possibility of opposition to the exercise. He alleged that outsiders had entered Ujjain with the intention of fuelling tensions.
“Individuals who came from outside the district to incite trouble were detained by the police at the border late last night and have been taken into custody at various police stations. We will now identify the perpetrators using CCTV and drone footage and register FIRs against those found involved,” Sharma said.
He said officers also managed to end a road blockade staged by women after speaking to them and showing them video footage from the area. Sharma appealed to people to assist the administration in restoring normalcy.
Part of the mosque had already been taken down by members of the community to facilitate the road project. The work has nevertheless triggered differences among groups over the proposed development.
Qazi Calls For Restraint
City Qazi Khaliqur Rahman asked members of the Muslim community not to gather unnecessarily in markets and advised them to remain at home. He urged people to reject rumours and said the matter involving the mosque had been settled overnight.
“The work for which an agreement has been reached is being completed, and the concerned people are carrying out their work. Therefore, do not pay attention to any rumours. Do not come out of your homes because of rumours. Maintain peace and stay inside your homes,” he said.
