Madhya Pradesh Police Book Five Social Media Influencers Over Ujjain Mosque Demolition Violence

Madhya Pradesh police have booked five local social media influencers for allegedly spreading propaganda and inciting crowds ahead of the partial demolition of the Shahi Masjid in Ujjain.

Online Incitement

The police case registered at the Kharakua police station states that the five individuals uploaded reels and videos on September 27, the day before a confrontation broke out between locals and police personnel. Investigators claim these accounts urged people to reach the mosque site quickly, including calls made at around 2 am. The accused include Instagram and Facebook account holders named Sajid Khan, Imran, Gulrez Khan, Billu Pathan, and Arif Pathan. Police allege they aimed to promote enmity, outrage religious feelings, and disturb public peace.

Violence And Arrests

Tension at the Shahi Masjid escalated on Monday morning as a large crowd gathered to oppose the administration's plan to remove a portion of the mosque falling within the road alignment for the upcoming Simhastha 2028. Security personnel faced stone-pelting at the site, leading police to use tear gas shells and a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Police have arrested 15 people, filed eight FIRs across three police stations, and are currently examining over 100 social media accounts alongside CCTV and drone footage.

Context

Local administrations often clear encroachments or structures for major upcoming religious gatherings and infrastructure projects, but such actions can trigger intense local resistance and legal disputes over heritage or religious sites. Authorities increasingly monitor digital platforms during periods of high tension to curb the rapid spread of unverified claims and inflammatory videos that can mobilise crowds overnight.