Muslim-run non-vegetarian restaurants and shops near the temple stand demolished, threatening the livelihoods of young entrepreneurs
NEW DELHI/UJJAIN – In a move that has drawn widespread attention and criticism, municipal authorities in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh demolished a popular non-vegetarian shop and restaurant near the famed Mahakaleshwar Temple. The action has left young Muslim vendors, who had operated the establishments for years, struggling to support their families.
According to reports, the demolished establishments included a restaurant named Angara and a chicken-mutton shop run by two Mohammad Wasim and Mohammad Shadab, in the Begum Bagh area. Both had been operating their businesses from a building owned by Anisa B, serving local residents and devotees for several years.
“This shop is the only source of income for my family. With it gone, we are left with no way to earn. We followed the rules and still faced this action. It is deeply unfair,” said Mohammad Wasim.
Authorities reportedly deployed over 50 police personnel and around 100 municipal employees, alongside half a dozen bulldozers and excavators, to carry out the demolition. Officials said a previous high court order had temporarily stayed the action, but the stay had been lifted, clearing the way for demolition.
Sources indicate that pressure from Hindu nationalist organisations played a role in the removal. These groups had long demanded the closure of non-vegetarian shops near the temple, arguing that such businesses were inappropriate along the route to a sacred site.
“We were repeatedly asked to vacate the area, despite the shop being legal and operational for years. The constant pressure from certain groups made it almost impossible to continue,” said Mohammad Shadab.
Locals familiar with the shops noted that the businesses were popular and visited by devotees and residents alike. Many have questioned why similar establishments in other areas remain untouched, raising concerns of selective enforcement.
Municipal authorities defended the action, stating that the buildings and shops were considered illegal constructions or were in violation of zoning regulations.
A senior official from the Ujjain municipal corporation said, “Our mandate is to ensure that no illegal constructions or shops operate in and around the temple area. This action follows legal procedures and directives from the state government.”
The official also highlighted that similar measures had been taken two and a half months ago when 12 buildings in the same area were demolished for violating regulations.
The demolition has sparked criticism from local Muslims, who say the action disproportionately affects minority vendors. Many see it as part of a broader pattern of targeting Muslim-run businesses, while other similar shops continue to operate without interference.
“It feels like we are being singled out. Our families depend entirely on these businesses. Removing them without proper alternatives is unjust and leaves us vulnerable,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Community members are now urging authorities to consider the livelihoods of those affected and to implement policies that are fair and inclusive.
The incident has reignited debate over civic enforcement near religious sites and the treatment of minority communities. Critics argue that while the government claims to act within legal boundaries, the repeated targeting of Muslim-owned establishments raises questions about bias and equal treatment.
Legal observers noted that while municipal authorities have the right to enforce zoning laws, the timing and selective application of such measures can exacerbate communal tensions and undermine trust in governance.
“Rules must be applied uniformly. When a few businesses are repeatedly targeted while others continue unhindered, it sends the wrong message about fairness and inclusion,” said a legal expert based in Ujjain.
As Mohammad Wasim and Mohammad Shadab face uncertainty about their future, community leaders and political activists are watching closely, calling for a balanced approach that safeguards both legal compliance and the livelihoods of minority citizens.
