Parts of the dome and first floor of the historic Shahi Masjid in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, were damaged during the demolition of its minaret, triggering grief and anger among local Muslims. The administration claimed the damage was accidental, attributing it to a machinery failure during the demolition process.
The demolition is linked to a road-widening project connected to preparations for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh. The administration had sought to remove portions of the mosque to widen the road to 15 metres, a move that had already drawn protests and legal challenges.
The mosque’s NumaindaCommittee, after a 3-night vigil inside the mosque, had reached an agreement with the administration to surrender a 3-foot hanging slab and a minaret. The minaret was handed over on the condition it would be reconstructed on a different side of the terrace. Local Muslims had volunteered to carry out the demolition themselves to avoid the use of heavy machinery.
Shahr Qazi of Ujjain, Khaleequr Rahman, confirmed the account, saying the administration’s machinery failed during the process and a falling minaret damaged a large portion of the dome and the mosque’s first floor. He appealed to the community to maintain calm. He also assured that reconstruction of the demolished portions would begin soon.
However, community members are not satisfied with the administration’s explanation.