Seven arrested, five content creators booked after Ujjain mosque demolition row

At least seven people have been arrested and five content creators booked after clashes broke out between a group of Muslim residents and security personnel in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain over the proposed demolition of a portion of the Shahi Mosque for a road-widening project linked to preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028, officials said.

Tensions that began on Sunday night escalated on Monday morning, prompting police to use a baton charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.

Ujjain Collector Roshan Kumar Singh told The Hindu that the trouble began after a rumour spread that a portion of the mosque was being forcibly demolished. According to the collector, some people subsequently clashed with police personnel and resorted to stone-pelting.

The proposed demolition is part of a road-widening project being undertaken ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is scheduled to be held in Ujjain in 2028.

Police have arrested at least seven people in connection with the violence and registered cases against five content creators, officials said. Further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the clashes.

The incident has brought renewed attention to the proposed alteration of the mosque premises as authorities undertake infrastructure work ahead of the major religious gathering.

Officials said security personnel were deployed in the area after tensions escalated, while police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd.

The administration is expected to continue security arrangements in the area as the road-widening work progresses.

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is expected to draw large numbers of pilgrims and visitors to Ujjain, with authorities undertaking several infrastructure and connectivity projects ahead of the event.