‘I love Muhammad’ posters: Case filed against 8 after mosque razed in Sambhal.

8 booked after ‘I Love Mohammad’ posters and suspected ‘anti-national, anti-Hindu’ literature found during ‘illegal’ Sambhal ‘mosque’ demolition.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh | June 10, 2026:: Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district have registered a case against eight individuals, including the caretaker of a mosque, after allegedly recovering dozens of “I Love Mohammad” posters, a flag resembling Pakistan’s national flag, and literature in Urdu and Arabic that authorities suspect may contain objectionable content during a demolition drive in Kaserua village.

The action followed the demolition of Masjid Mustafa Qadri on Saturday, a structure that local authorities described as an illegally constructed mosque-like building. The operation was carried out under police supervision, with personnel deployed to maintain law and order in the area.

According to an FIR lodged by Sub-Inspector Arun Kumar of Nakhasa Police Station, officers conducted a search of the premises after the demolition to ensure that no individuals were residing inside the structure. During the inspection of the building’s upper floor, police allegedly recovered 49 posters bearing the slogan “I Love Mohammad,” which were reportedly hidden beneath a mattress placed on a wooden platform in the main hall.

Officials also stated that a green-coloured flag resembling Pakistan’s national flag was found inside the premises and subsequently seized. In addition, police claimed to have recovered literature written in Urdu and Arabic. Authorities said the material is being examined, and some of the contents are suspected of being “anti-national” and “anti-Hindu.” However, police have not yet publicly disclosed the exact contents of the literature or the findings of any forensic or linguistic examination.

Based on the recoveries, police registered a case against eight residents of Kaserua village. Those named in the FIR are Zakir, identified as the mosque caretaker, along with Zakir Hussain, Tasleem, Bhure Ali, Sharafuddin, Dil Sharif, Mohabbat Ali, and Nanhe.

The case has been registered under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, a provision dealing with the creation, publication, or circulation of false information, rumours, statements, or reports that may promote enmity, hatred, or ill-will among religious, racial, linguistic, regional, caste, or community groups.

Legal experts noted that the provision also extends to content circulated through electronic means. Senior advocate Arvind Kumar explained that the offence is classified as non-bailable and carries a punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.

Confirming the registration of the case, Additional Superintendent of Police (North) Kuldeep Singh stated that objectionable material had been recovered during the demolition operation, prompting legal action against the accused individuals.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of allegedly unauthorized religious structures in parts of Uttar Pradesh and is likely to draw attention due to its potential communal implications. Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine the origin, purpose, and legal implications of the recovered materials.

Confirming the registration of the case, Additional Superintendent of Police (North) Kuldeep Singh said, “Objectionable material was found during the demolition of the ‘mosque’ in Kaserua village. A case has been registered at the local police station in this regard. The investigation is underway.”

Police officials said further investigation is in progress and that all aspects of the recovery, including the posters, the flag resembling Pakistan’s national flag, and the literature recovered from the site, are being examined. Authorities are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the presence of the material and any potential violations of law arising from the recovery.

The incident has attracted attention due to the nature of the items allegedly recovered and the legal action initiated thereafter. Officials have indicated that additional steps in the case will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

Police officials have not announced any arrests in the case so far. Further action is expected following examination of the seized items and the completion of the investigation.
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_Agency Inputs.