14 arrested as Ujjain police hunt content creators behind AI-generated videos linked to mosque clash
Fourteen people have been arrested and more than 30 booked in connection with violence in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain over the removal of a portion of the Shahi Masjid for a road-widening project, even as members of the mosque committee continued the work under heavy police security on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, officials said. Several detainees were released after questioning.
How the clashes erupted
Clashes broke out on Monday morning when a group of locals attempted to march to the Shahi Masjid to halt the demolition of a three-foot section of the structure. The removal was part of widening works linked to preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028 and was being executed by members of the mosque committee based on an agreement reached with the local administration on Sunday night.
Police action and investigation
Ujjain police said eight cases have been registered so far, including five First Information Reports (FIRs) targeting social media content creators accused of circulating videos that allegedly incited people to gather at the mosque and clash with law enforcement.
“At least 14 people have been arrested so far while multiple teams are working to identify and nab more suspects,” Ujjain Additional Superintendent of Police Alok Sharma told The Hindu. “Teams are working to trace some of the accused who are absconding, including the content creators who shared provocative content. We are also closely monitoring social media for any such content that can instigate people,” he added.
Alleged role of AI-generated videos
According to police, videos generated with artificial intelligence and circulated on social media spread the rumour that authorities were demolishing the entire mosque using bulldozers and excavator machines. Some of the clips called on people to assemble at the site, a senior police officer said. The content was taken down from social media platforms soon after the clashes, officials added.
Security on ground and current status
On Tuesday, security personnel maintained a tight vigil in the area as members of the Muslim community continued removing the identified portions of the mosque in line with the administrative agreement. Authorities said the targeted removal is limited to a three-foot section required for road expansion.
Broader redevelopment context
The Ujjain administration has undertaken several road-widening projects as part of the Simhastha preparations and the Ujjain Master Plan 2035. Officials said a range of residential and commercial properties and religious structures—including some temples—have been removed to make way for planned infrastructure. Additional structures near the Kshipra river and the Mahakaleshwar temple have also been marked for removal.
What’s next
Police teams continue to search for five social media content creators named in the FIRs and are monitoring platforms for further instigating material. Investigations into the origin and circulation pathways of the alleged AI-generated videos are underway, while the on-ground removal work at the Shahi Masjid site proceeds under sustained security deployment.
Officials said more arrests are likely as identification efforts progress and urged the public not to act on unverified or misleading content online.
