Violence broke out in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, after a protest linked to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign escalated despite authorities denying permission.
The protest was initially called by Maulana Tauqeer Raza, chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council. Although he later announced its cancellation, many supporters still gathered near his residence and a local mosque, holding banners with the slogan.
How the Situation Turned Violent
Tensions rose when members of the crowd allegedly pelted stones at police personnel. In response, security forces resorted to lathi charges to disperse the protesters. The unrest spread to nearby areas, with vehicles being vandalised, including those parked around Khalil Higher Secondary School. Around 10 police officers were reportedly injured during the clashes.
Police Crackdown and Arrests
Following the violence, police launched overnight house-to-house raids across the city. A total of 10 FIRs were registered, naming 180 individuals and booking an additional 2,500 unidentified persons. So far, 39 people have been arrested. Among them is Maulana Tauqeer Raza, who has been identified as the “main conspirator,” along with seven others Sarfaraz, Manifuddin, Azeem Ahmed, Mohammed Sharif, Mohammed Aamir, Rehan and Mohammad Sarfaraz.
Legal Action and Government Response
All eight key accused were produced in court and have been sent to 14-day judicial custody. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the incident and issued a stern warning, stating that anyone attempting to disrupt peace or incite communal unrest ahead of upcoming festivals would face strict action.
Current Status in Bareilly
The situation in Bareilly has now stabilised, but heavy police deployment remains in place. Security forces have conducted flag marches in sensitive areas, while municipal workers have cleared debris and protest materials from the streets to restore normalcy.
Origin of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ Campaign
The “I Love Muhammad” campaign began as a religious expression movement during a procession in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in September 2024. Participants carried posters and banners declaring their love and devotion to Prophet Muhammad, claiming it was a peaceful way to counter online hate and blasphemous content circulating on social media. The slogan quickly spread across districts like Varanasi, Moradabad, Sambhal, and Budaun, where it was used in local gatherings and processions. However, as the campaign gained momentum, authorities started viewing it not just as a devotional statement but as a potential tool for mass mobilisation, especially when crowds assembled without official permission. This shift in perception turned the slogan from a spiritual message into a law-and-order concern, eventually leading to confrontations like the one seen in Bareilly in 2025.