Friday frenzied Islamist mobs have turned violent across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat in the wake of the “I love Muhammad” banner controversy. The trigger point was an FIR lodged in Kanpur earlier this month, but protests quickly spiralled into widespread clashes, leaving police and civilians injured, government property vandalised, and law and order disrupted.
Chants of “Sar tan se juda” reverberated through protest marches as mobs clashed with police. In Bareilly, a cleric openly threatened to kill a police inspector, while in other cities police stations were vandalised and officers assaulted.
Bareilly: Cleric issues death threat to inspector
The flashpoint began on September 19 when posters proclaiming “I love Muhammad” were displayed across Bareilly after Friday prayers, under the supervision of Moin Khan of Jamaat Raza-e-Mustafa, linked to the Dargah Aala Hazrat.
When police removed the posters citing law and order concerns, they were reinstalled the next day. On September 21, a mob gathered to resist police action, summoning Dr. Nafees Khan, National General Secretary of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC).
In a viral video, Khan can be heard threatening Inspector Subhash Kumar: “I will cut off your hands and strip you of your uniform.”
SP City Manush Pareekh confirmed that Khan has been booked and assured strict action against those trying to disturb peace.
Kashipur: Stone-pelting and attacks on Police
In Kashipur, Uttarakhand, violence broke out during a procession on September 21. Police officers were chased, beaten, and government vehicles damaged as mobs pelted stones.
Authorities have registered cases against three named persons and 400-500 unidentified individuals, arresting 15 so far. The administration also demolished illegal encroachments in the violence-hit area.
Unnao: Mob rips police inspector’s uniform
In Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, hundreds of radicals staged a procession without permission, chanting “Sar tan se juda” and attacking police. Inspector Ajay Kumar Singh’s uniform was torn apart as mobs hurled stones at the police team.
Police resorted to lathi-charge and additional forces were deployed. An FIR against 30 people, including eight named accused, has been lodged. The incident followed prayers at the Safdarganj Mosque.
Godhra: Police station vandalised
On September 19, violence also gripped Godhra in Gujarat. Supporters of a local Islamist influencer stormed the Godhra City B Division police station, demanding his release.
The mob vandalised the premises, breaking furniture, damaging vehicles, and injuring officers with stone pelting. Police responded with lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the rioters.
Leaders fan flames
The unrest deepened as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and IMC president Maulana Tauqeer Raza issued provocative statements.
Owaisi wrote on social media: “‘I love Muhammad’ is not a crime. If it is, then every punishment is acceptable. I would sacrifice a hundred lives for him.”
Tauqeer Raza went further, warning: “If Muslims take to the streets, what will happen to the nation? Don’t compel us.”
Officials fear these remarks are emboldening mobs and sustaining violent rallies across multiple cities.
What sparked the row?
Contrary to viral claims, the Kanpur FIR was not solely about the “I love Muhammad” banner. On September 4, a decorative light board with the slogan was installed near Rawatpur police station and later shifted after objections.
The real trigger came on September 5, when Muslim youths vandalised Hindu religious posters during the Barawafat procession. The FIR noted they “intentionally damaged Hindu posters to create communal disturbance.”
Thus, the FIR was primarily about destruction of Hindu posters, not criminalisation of the “I love Muhammad” slogan. Yet, misinformation has been weaponised to stoke anger and mobilise violent mobs.
Concerns over law and order
The series of violent incidents has put state administrations on high alert. Officials warn that “misleading narratives” are being used to instigate mobs. Police forces in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand have tightened security, while crackdowns on extremist leaders have begun.
Despite appeals for peace, the situation remains volatile, with fresh rallies and protests being reported. The controversy, born out of a localised Kanpur dispute, has now snowballed into a nationwide law and order crisis.
