Stone-pelting broke out in Ujjain on Monday during protests against the planned demolition of part of a centuries-old mosque. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, news agency PTI reported. SP Pradeep Sharma confirmed the action.

The protest is linked to a 900-metre road-widening project between Kanthal crossing and Gopal Mandir. The stretch will be widened to 15 metres ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh in 2028. The civic body has marked 272 structures and set aside Rs 9.8 crore for the work.

The plan includes removing part of the prayer hall and a minaret of the Shahi Masjid, a Waqf property traced to 1390. Around 2,000 to 2,500 personnel, including RAF and STF units, have been deployed with heavy machinery.

On Monday, a High Court division bench of Justices Subodh Abhyankar and Jai Kumar Pillai rejected an appeal against the demolition. The court noted the matter stood settled between the appellant and the municipal corporation.

The demolition has been held back for now. Police said they are in talks with the mosque committee.