Fake AI Video of Mosque Demolition Sparks Clash in Ujjain

A doctored AI video claiming to depict the full demolition of the Shahi Mosque in Ujjain triggered a major civic disturbance on Wednesday, with hundreds gathering at the site and clashing with police. The manipulated footage rapidly spread across social media platforms, fueling public alarm and drawing crowds despite official denials of any such demolition plan.

Local police moved to disperse the gathering and manage the escalating tensions, leading to confrontations with assembled groups. Authorities said the actual controversy centers on a limited structural adjustment required for an ongoing road-widening project affecting the mosque's immediate vicinity.

Officials attributed the outbreak of unrest primarily to inflammatory social media posts and rumours rather than any substantive dispute over the proposed construction work. The incident underscores growing concerns about the rapid spread of AI-generated misinformation through digital platforms and its potential to incite communal tensions in sensitive contexts.

Police have registered cases related to the incident and initiated investigations into the source of the misleading video. Authorities appealed to residents to verify information through official channels before sharing content on social media, warning that deliberate circulation of false material could invite legal action.