Workers demolishing part of the Shahi mosque in the central Indian city of Ujjain accidentally brought down one of the building's minarets, officials and local reports said. The mosque, roughly 600 years old, was being partially dismantled as part of work to widen a road used by pilgrims.
Ujjain is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage centre, and authorities had authorised changes to the local road network to ease movement during forthcoming religious events. The demolition work to expand the roadway was under way when the minaret collapsed, according to people familiar with the operation.
The mosque has been at the centre of efforts to balance urban planning and heritage protection. Community members and preservation advocates had sought to safeguard the structure, saying it represents an important part of the city's architectural and cultural history.
The partial destruction of the minaret is likely to intensify scrutiny of how demolition and construction are managed in sensitive religious areas. Preservationists warn that historic religious buildings are vulnerable during infrastructure projects, while officials face competing pressures to maintain public access and safety during major pilgrimages.
It was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured in the collapse, or what immediate remedial steps would be taken to stabilise the remaining structure. The incident adds to a broader debate in India about how to reconcile heritage conservation with urban development in cities that host large religious gatherings.