UJJAIN, October 1, 2026: A portion of the Shahi Masjid at Chhatri Chowk in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, was damaged on Thursday during work to remove the section falling within the alignment of a road-widening project linked to preparations for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Officials said no one was injured in the incident and urged people to rely on verified information instead of rumours circulating on social media. Ujjain Collector Roshan Kumar Singh said the affected portion sustained damage during the removal process and that the administration was monitoring the situation.
The road-widening project covers the approximately 900-metre stretch between Kanthal Crossing and Gopal Mandir, which is planned to be widened to 15 metres. Officials said portions of several structures fall within the proposed road alignment.
According to civic authorities, around 272 structures, including religious sites, are affected by the wider project. The state government has sanctioned approximately Rs9.8 crore for the work, which is intended to improve movement in the city ahead of the 2028 religious gathering.
Minaret Damaged During Removal
Reports said the affected portion of the mosque included a minaret that was being dismantled as part of the road-widening work. During the removal process, part of the structure fell onto the mosque, causing damage to its outer section.
Officials described the damage as accidental and said there was no loss of life or injury. The collector also warned against spreading misleading or false information about the incident.
The affected section reportedly includes shops on the ground floor. Authorities said notices had previously been issued regarding structures falling within the planned road alignment.
Dispute Over Mosque’s History
The age of the Shahi Masjid has also become part of the controversy. Members of the local Muslim community have described the mosque as approximately 600 to 636 years old, with some claiming it dates back to 1390.
However, reports citing an archaeology expert say there is no established archaeological record confirming the 636-year-old claim. Other accounts based on available documentation describe the structure as more than 100 years old.
Local Muslim representatives have said that five daily prayers continue to be offered at the mosque. The community had earlier reached an arrangement with the local administration to remove the portion of the structure affected by the road project. The Madhya Pradesh High Court subsequently disposed of related petitions after the Muslim side cited an agreement with the civic authorities.
The road-widening project had earlier triggered protests and clashes in Ujjain, with police using tear gas after stone-pelting incidents. Security was subsequently increased around the mosque and authorities appealed for calm.
Authorities have said representatives of different communities and local residents remain in communication with the administration as the road-widening work continues.