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Historic Indian mosque minaret collapses during demolition work

A minaret belonging to a 600-year-old mosque in Ujjain, India, collapsed during demolition operations, with footage capturing the structure's dramatic fall. The incident has reignited concerns over the handling of heritage religious sites in the country.

LSN World News · 1 October 2026

Historic Indian mosque minaret collapses during demolition work

Video footage documented the moment the minaret of the centuries-old Ujjain mosque gave way during ongoing demolition work. The structure, which has stood for approximately six centuries, was being razed as part of urban development or renewal efforts in the central Indian city.

The collapse of the minaret, a prominent architectural feature of the mosque, was captured on camera and has since circulated widely. The incident has drawn scrutiny regarding the preservation of heritage sites and the procedures followed during demolition of religious structures.

The demolition work in Ujjain has sparked broader discussions about the treatment of historical religious monuments in India. Concerns have been raised by heritage conservationists and religious groups about ensuring proper documentation and careful handling of culturally significant structures during urban development projects.

Local authorities have not yet released official statements regarding the circumstances surrounding the demolition or any investigations into how the historic minaret was managed during the process. The incident comes amid ongoing debates in India about balancing infrastructure development with the preservation of the country's diverse architectural and religious heritage.