Bareilly Erupts: ‘I Love Muhammad’ Protest Sparks Unrest and Police Crackdown.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Warns Cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan: ‘Maulana Forgot Who’s in Power’ Amid ‘I Love Muhammad’ Unrest”.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Lucknow | Sept 27, 2025::  In a dramatic turn of events, Bareilly witnessed widespread unrest and clashes between protesters and police following a call to support the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign. The protests, sparked by a recent FIR in Kanpur over similar displays during an Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession, took a violent turn on Friday, leading to stone-pelting and police action.

The Trigger

The controversy began on September 9, when Kanpur police filed an FIR against 24 individuals for allegedly displaying ‘I Love Muhammad’ boards during a procession on September 4. The move drew objections from some Hindu groups, who termed it a deviation from tradition and a deliberate provocation. The issue soon snowballed, spreading to other parts of Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states like Uttarakhand and Karnataka.

Unrest in Bareilly

On Friday, protesters gathered near the Kotwali mosque after prayers, defying Section 163 of the BNSS, which prohibits public gatherings without permission. As police attempted to disperse the crowd, the situation escalated, with some protesters turning violent and hurling stones. The police responded with mild force to regain control, but the clashes spread to nearby areas, including Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat and Islamia Ground. It has also been reported that mosque loudspeakers were used to incite the Muslim public against the police and government.

Government Response

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stern warning to cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, who had called for the protest. Adityanath said, “Yesterday, a Maulana forgot who is in power in the state. He thought he could halt the system whenever he wanted, but we made it clear that there would be neither a roadblock nor a curfew. However, the lesson we have taught will make future generations think twice before rioting.”

Arrests and Action

Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan was arrested on Saturday and sent to 14-day judicial custody along with seven others. The district administration suspended internet services for 48 hours to prevent the spread of rumors and maintain law and order. Over 2,000 people have been named in 11 FIRs, with two cases directly implicating Khan.

Opposition’s Stand

Opposition leaders criticized the government’s response, with AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi arguing that the campaign was not a crime. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed the police action, questioning the government’s handling of the situation.

Death Threat to CM Adityanath from Beed

A man allegedly threatened Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from a stage in Maharashtra’s Beed during an ‘I Love Muhammad’ event. The individual, identified as Asfaq Nisar Sheikh, taunted Adityanath, saying, ‘If the CM has guts, he should come here,’ and further threatened to bury him if he came to Beed. The remarks sparked a probe, and the police have registered an FIR against Sheikh and event organizer Rafeeq Tamboli

Plan to Disrupt Durga Puja and Navratri

The Bareilly incident highlights the need for a balance between strict control over religious fanaticism and compliance with law and order. As the situation remains tense, the government’s response will be closely watched. Will the administration’s firm stance quell the unrest in the name of “I Love Muhammad” that has erupted during the Hindu festive season of Durga Puja and Navratri?
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_Inputs from ANI and PTI.