MT Desk: In a move that has reignited debate over selective demolition drives in India, the Ujjain administration in Madhya Pradesh brought down 12 Muslim-owned houses and shops in Begambagh — a Muslim-majority area near the famous Mahakal Temple.

The demolitions on Wednesday, carried out under heavy police presence, were described by officials as part of preparations for Simhastha 2028, one of the largest Hindu pilgrimages scheduled to be held in the city.

According to reports, all the demolished properties belonged to members of the Muslim community. Among the affected were families of Syed Niamat Ali, Roshni Bi, Mohammad Ayub, Abdul Khalid, Rais Mohammad, Sajid Khan, Aqeela Bi, Mohammad Nasir, Ejaz Ahmed, Aisa Bi, Uvesh Khan, Abdul Nasir, Abdul Shakir, Anisa Bi, and Femida Bi.

Authorities claimed that these buildings were constructed on land leased under the Mahakal Housing Project of 1985, whose 30-year lease term had long expired. They maintained that the action was lawful and based on due process.

Ujjain Development Authority (UDA) CEO Sandeep Soni said, “These plots were allotted for residential purposes only. Over time, several people started commercial activities and even sold the land after subdividing it. The leases expired years ago and were never renewed. Notices were sent in October asking occupants to vacate.”

Soni further stated that the demolition drive was carried out after stay orders from lower courts, the high court, and the Supreme Court were lifted. “We acted only after legal clearance. The land now reverts to UDA ownership and will be used for development related to Simhastha 2028,” he said.

The operation involved more than a hundred police personnel, along with municipal staff and administrative officers. Around a dozen Poclain machines and bulldozers were deployed in the Begambagh locality. Security was tight amid reports of protests from residents who described the demolitions as “one-sided and cruel.”

A resident, Mohammad Ayub, whose small shop was among those destroyed, said, “We were told to vacate, but no alternate arrangements were made. This is our home for decades. We feel we are being punished for being Muslims.”

Another affected woman, Roshni Bi, said through tears, “They came early in the morning and gave us barely an hour to remove our belongings. Everything we owned is under the rubbles now.”

Residents alleged that the administration’s claim of legal procedure was a cover for discrimination. “Why are only Muslim houses being demolished around Mahakal Temple? There are several illegal constructions by others too. The bulldozers never reach them,” said a youth from Begambagh who did not wish to be named.