Ujjain Tensions Continue as Police Use Tear Gas During Shahi Masjid Demolition Protests

Tension continued in Ujjain on Monday as police used tear gas to disperse protesters following reports of stone-pelting during demonstrations linked to the proposed demolition of a portion of the Shahi Masjid complex for road-widening work ahead of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were deployed alongside local police as authorities worked to contain the situation. More than 2,500 police personnel and officers have reportedly been positioned across the area, while Ujjain SP Pradeep Sharma remained at the site. A security alert has also been issued across the city.

According to Sharma, police had made extensive security arrangements in anticipation of possible unrest. He said some protesters allegedly threw stones at security personnel, prompting police to use tear gas and limited force to disperse the gathering. Some police personnel reportedly suffered minor injuries during the incident.

Sharma said the demolition work was being carried out by the mosque committee itself and that a security perimeter had been established around the location. Entry into the restricted area was prohibited as a precautionary measure. Authorities are using CCTV cameras and drones to monitor developments and are also keeping track of social media activity, Sharma said. He added that police were working to identify those allegedly involved in the violence using available video footage and would take legal action against them.

The SP also claimed that some individuals from outside the district had attempted to reach the area and provoke unrest. According to him, several such people were detained by police at district borders and taken to different police stations. A separate attempt by some women to block a road was also brought to an end after police officials counselled them and showed them video footage of the situation, Sharma said. The road was subsequently cleared.

Community leaders have also appealed for calm through video messages, according to police. Sharma urged residents to cooperate with the authorities and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions. A section of the Shahi Masjid was demolished by members of the mosque committee as part of the road-widening exercise. The development has led to disagreements among different groups as preparations continue for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh. On the ground, protesters were seen trying to move through nearby lanes toward the area. Visuals from the scene showed women among those attempting to advance, while stones were also reportedly thrown at police personnel deployed for security.