The ongoing “I Love Muhammad” campaign flared into violence on Friday as stone-pelting, police lathi-charge, and clashes were reported from Bareilly, Mau, and other districts across Uttar Pradesh. Bareilly witnessed the worst escalation, where a massive crowd gathered near the city’s Islamia Ground after Friday prayers in response to a call by cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza to hold a demonstration supporting the campaign.
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District magistrate Avinash Singh confirmed that police, PAC, and RAF personnel were already deployed in anticipation of trouble. “After Friday prayers, some people tried to disrupt peace at three locations. Our forces acted swiftly and dispersed the crowds within an hour. Around 15-20 people have been taken into custody, and the city is now peaceful,” he said.
How row began
The row began on September 4 in Kanpur during Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi processions, when an “I Love Muhammad” lightboard was put up on a tent along the route in a mixed neighbourhood. Local Hindu groups objected, alleging it was a provocation. Police removed the banner and relocated the tent, triggering protests. FIRs were filed against nine named and 15 unidentified persons for installing the structure without permission.
In the days that followed, demonstrations spread to other cities in Uttar Pradesh and beyond, with Muslim groups describing the FIR as an affront to their faith and a form of social boycott. Hindu groups responded with “I Love Mahadev” and “I Love Mahakaal” banners, further polarising the situation. Social media hashtags such as #ILoveMuhammad trended nationally, amplifying the standoff.
Violence in Bareilly
On Friday, soon after Juma prayers, hundreds of people converged near the Islamia Ground despite prohibitory orders. Police say the crowd swelled as some participants shouted provocative slogans and insisted on marching to the ground. When police stopped them, the protest turned violent.
Bareilly IG Ajay Sahni said, “The police were doing a flag march and asked people to offer namaz and return home. Later, some in the crowd pelted stones and even opened fire. Some weapons have been recovered. This appears to be a pre-planned conspiracy.”
After the mob was dispersed, shoes, slippers, and stones were seen scattered across a 200-metre stretch, indicating the intensity of the clash. At least 10 policemen were injured, several sustained pellet injuries, and media personnel covering the protest were also hurt. Around 12 people were arrested immediately, with more arrests expected based on video footage collected by police.
Markets in Bareilly’s Shyamganj wholesale area were shut after stone-pelting targeted shops. Police launched a heavy lathi-charge and sealed the area, later assuring traders of safety before reopening markets. Maulana Tauqeer Raza was detained and kept under tight security at a private residence in the Baradari area, though officials refrained from calling it a formal arrest.
Violence spreads to Mau, Baghpat
Similar scenes were reported in Mau, where a procession carrying “I Love Muhammad” placards attempted to march after prayers. When police ordered the crowd to disperse, some allegedly threw stones, prompting a baton charge.
In Baghpat, police stopped a procession citing a lack of permission, leading to an altercation. Two named persons and 150 unidentified individuals were booked for unlawful assembly and rioting.
Beyond Uttar Pradesh
The controversy has spilt over to other states. In Gujarat’s Gandhinagar district, 60 people were detained after stone-pelting and damage to shops and vehicles following an objectionable social media post related to the issue.
In Karnataka’s Davangere, posters reading “I Love Muhammad” led to clashes between two groups.
In Maharashtra’s Malvani area, clerics visited the police station demanding action against what they called discriminatory treatment in Kanpur.
Political spin
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the government’s use of force, saying, “Governments function with harmony and goodwill, not lathicharge. Highly condemnable!”
Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai called for mutual respect across faiths, remarking, “Everyone should love their God. I love Muhammad, I love Mahadev, I love Ganeshji, I love Jesus Christ, I love Guru Nanak, I love Gautam Buddha, I love Mahavir.”
Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also criticised the FIRs and removal of the posters, saying, “If someone says ‘I Love You’, what is the problem? What message are you sending to the world by objecting to a declaration of faith?”
However, the authorities have stepped up security in Bareilly and other sensitive districts. Drone surveillance is being used to monitor crowd movement, and police presence has been reinforced at key junctions. IG Ajay Sahni assured that “strict action will be taken against the trouble-makers based on video evidence”.
