Protest in Bareilly over ‘I Love Muhammad’ slogans turns violent; police lathi-charge crowd after stone pelting. Administration claims situation under control.
By Qalam Times News Network | Bareilly | September 26, 2025
Protest erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly on Friday after the Friday prayers, when hundreds of people carrying placards reading “I Love Muhammad” marched through the streets. Tension escalated in the Shyamganj area as demonstrators clashed with police, damaged vehicles, and raised slogans, leading to a baton charge by security forces.
The protest was called by Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), who had earlier urged followers to gather peacefully and submit a memorandum to the District Magistrate addressed to the President of India. However, the situation turned chaotic when groups of protesters began pelting stones, forcing the police to intervene.
Clash Between Police and Protesters
At Shyamganj, police tried to stop the advancing march, leading to heated exchanges with protesters. Witnesses reported stone-pelting and sudden acts of vandalism near Khalil School. Security personnel responded with lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, sparking panic and a brief stampede. Several demonstrators were detained.
Shops were shut down as a precaution, and police increased presence around sensitive locations including Naumahla Masjid and Ala Hazrat Dargah, where large gatherings had formed.
Administration’s Response
District Magistrate Avinash Singh later told reporters that the situation had been “brought under control” and no serious injuries were reported. He appealed for calm, urging residents to maintain peace and communal harmony.
Inspector General Ajay Sahni confirmed that “miscreants” attempted to disrupt order by joining the march and instigating violence. He added that strict action would be taken and arrests made to ensure such incidents are not repeated. Flag marches were conducted in affected areas to restore confidence among residents.
Background of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row
The protest is linked to an ongoing controversy that began earlier this month in Kanpur. On September 9, police registered an FIR against nine named individuals and 15 unidentified persons for allegedly displaying “I Love Muhammad” banners during a Barawafat procession on September 4. Several Hindu groups objected, calling it a “provocative new trend,” which triggered communal unease in different parts of Uttar Pradesh.
