14 arrested, police search for creators of AI-generated videos that led to Ujjain violence

Security personnel stand guard during the removal of a section of the ‘Shahi Masjid’ for a road widening project in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Tuesday, September 29, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

Fourteen people have so far been arrested and more than 30 booked in connection with violence in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain over the demolition of part of a mosque, even as members of the Muslim community continued to remove the necessary parts amid tight police security, officials said on Tuesday (29 Sep 2026). Various people who were detained were released after questioning.

Police are also looking for five social media creators accused of allegedly circulating artificial intelligence (AI)-generated videos believed to have provoked people to march to Shahi Masjid and clash with police.

Clashes erupted in Ujjain on Monday (September 28, 2026) morning when a group of locals tried to march to a mosque to stop demolition work on a three-foot section of a road widening project in preparation for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028. The demolition work was carried out by local committee members on Sunday (September 28, 2026) night.

The police have so far filed eight cases in connection with the violence, including five First Information Reports (FIRs) against content creators.

Ujjain Additional Superintendent of Police Alok Sharma told The Hindu that at least 14 people have been arrested so far, while several teams are working to identify and nab more suspects.

“Teams are working to trace some of the absconding accused, including content creators who shared provocative content. We are also keeping a close eye on social media for any such content that may incite people,” Mr. Sharma said.

While the content was pulled from social media platforms soon after the clashes, police said the videos spread rumors that the authorities were demolishing the entire structure of the mosque using bulldozers and excavators.

Some of the videos called for people to gather at the mosque, another senior police officer said.

In preparation for Simhastha and the Ujjain Master Plan 2035, several road widening projects are underway in the holy city and several residential and commercial properties and religious structures, including temples, have been removed. Various other structures have also been marked for removal near the Kshipra River and the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Published – 29 Sep 2026 22:39 IST