A campaign that began with posters in Uttar Pradesh has spiralled into a nationwide flashpoint of unrest, with its latest and most violent eruption in Kashipur, Uttarakhand. On the night of September 21, a 400–500 strong Islamist mob, mobilised under the banner of an “I Love Muhammad” procession, attacked police, vandalised government property, and left the industrial town of Udham Singh Nagar shaken. At the centre of the violence stands Samajwadi Party leader Nadeem Akhtar, now accused of masterminding the unauthorised rally that turned into an assault on the state itself.
The controversy began in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4, when posters with the slogan “I Love Muhammad” were pasted across the city. Hindu organisations strongly opposed the move, citing provocation and unlawful public messaging. When the UP Police registered cases against 25 youths involved, protests flared up, not just in Kanpur but also across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand.
The campaign swiftly morphed into a rallying point for Islamist groups, who began taking out processions under the same slogan often without seeking permission from local administrations. What was projected as a religious slogan soon assumed a confrontational dimension, with clashes erupting at multiple places. Kashipur was the powder keg.
On September 21, Samajwadi Party leader Nadeem Akhtar allegedly convened a gathering of nearly 500 people in the Alikhan area of Kashipur. From there, the mob launched an unauthorised procession, carrying sticks, lathis, and banners proclaiming “I Love Muhammad.”
The rally moved towards the Valmiki settlement. Police officials, led by Sub-Inspector Manoj Dhoni and his team, attempted to stop the illegal procession at Alikhan crossing. Instead of dispersing, the mob turned aggressive.
- Uniforms torn, police attacked: Police personnel were surrounded, abused, and physically assaulted. Sub-Inspectors and constables were beaten, their uniforms torn apart.
- Government property destroyed: Stones were hurled at official vehicles, breaking the windows of a Dial-112 emergency response car. Another police vehicle’s bonnet was badly damaged.
- Defiance of law and order: Despite repeated warnings from officers, the mob refused to retreat, pushing through Kashipur’s narrow lanes and clashing with law enforcement.
In his complaint, SSI Anil Joshi wrote that the mob’s behaviour was not spontaneous but coordinated. “The procession without permission was advancing despite repeated objections. They surrounded our personnel, abused them, and attacked with lathis. Government vehicles were damaged, and even I was physically assaulted,” he stated.
Based on Joshi’s complaint, an FIR was registered at Kotwali Kashipur under some of the most stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
- Sections 190, 191(2), 191(3): Unlawful assemblies and rioting.
- Section 121(1): Obstructing public servants from discharging their duty.
- Sections 324(3), 351(2), 352: Assault and hurt to officials.
- Section 232: Destruction of government property.
This combination of charges reflects the severity of the offence not just as a breach of public order, but as a direct assault on state authority.
Swift police action followed. Nadeem Akhtar (47), accused of being the mastermind, was arrested along with six others. Among those in custody are 18-year-old Mohd Ashad, 19-year-old Kamran, 26-year-old Moin Raza, and 28-year-old Danish. Ten more are being interrogated, and the number of arrests is expected to rise as CCTV footage is scrutinised.
SP (City) Abhay Singh confirmed Akhtar’s central role: “The atmosphere deteriorated during the procession without permission. Samajwadi Party leader Nadeem Akhtar and his associates played a major role. Strict action will be taken against all accused.”
The revelation that a Samajwadi Party leader orchestrated the procession has turned the spotlight on the political patronage behind such unrest. While the SP has yet to issue a statement, the police narrative makes clear that Akhtar’s involvement was not incidental but central. The mobilisation of 400–500 people late at night, armed and organised, points to calculated intent rather than spontaneous religious fervour.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, briefed by SSP Manikant Mishra and local leaders including Mayor Deepak Bali, has adopted an uncompromising stance, “Lawlessness will not be tolerated in Uttarakhand. Those who attacked police and disturbed peace will face the strictest legal consequences. Uttarakhand is a land of law, not goonda raj,” Dhami declared.
SSP Mishra, camping in Kashipur to oversee operations, assured residents: “We will not allow the rule of law to be undermined. PAC deployment continues, raids are ongoing, and every culprit will be arrested. Citizens must remain calm, avoid rumours, and support the police.”
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