Violent clashes erupt in Bareilly over ‘I Love Muhammad’ protest, over 50 detained

A protest linked to the “I Love Muhammad” slogan escalated into violent clashes on Friday, leaving at least ten police personnel injured and leading to the detention of more than fifty people.

The march began after Friday prayers when a large crowd gathered near Islamia Ground and outside the residence of cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, intending to submit a memorandum to the district administration.

Officials said the gathering lacked permission under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which requires prior approval for public demonstrations.

According to police, the situation turned tense as the crowd swelled. Stones were thrown at security forces, vehicles were vandalized, and several shops suffered damage.

Officers responded with tear gas and a lathi charge to disperse the mob. District Magistrate Avinash Singh confirmed that prohibitory orders were in place and described the protest as unlawful, adding that the violence appeared pre-planned.

Deputy Inspector General Ajay Kumar Sahni said video evidence indicated that a group of agitators had mixed with the larger crowd to provoke clashes.

Maulana Tauqeer denied orchestrating the violence and accused the administration of heavy-handed tactics, stating that his intention was to submit a peaceful memorandum.

The “I Love Muhammad” campaign began on Sep 9 after police in Kanpur registered a case over similar banners displayed during a Barawafat procession.

That action triggered demonstrations across Uttar Pradesh and other states, drawing political reactions and sparking a wider debate over religious expression in public spaces.

By late evening, police reported that the situation was under control, with additional forces deployed around sensitive areas and major intersections.

Investigations are underway to identify those responsible for the violence, and multiple first information reports have been filed across the city as authorities work to prevent further unrest.