**‘I Love Muhammad’ Row: Protest in Bareilly Turns Violent**

*By Snehil Singh | September 27, 2025, 11:53 AM*

The “I Love Muhammad” movement, led by Maulana Tauqeer Raza, has recently sparked clashes between police and locals in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The unrest followed the cancellation of a planned demonstration, which was called off due to the authorities withholding permission.

### Unrest in Bareilly

The protest was initially scheduled to take place after Friday prayers, with gatherings planned near Maulana Raza’s residence and the Kotwali mosque. However, the organizers postponed the demonstration at the last minute.

Despite the postponement, crowds carrying “I Love Muhammad” posters gathered near Raza’s residence and the Kotwali mosque. Tensions escalated when protesters allegedly threw stones at police officers attempting to disperse them. In response, security personnel resorted to lathi-charging the crowd. Visual footage from the scene showed intense clashes between locals and the police in the Kotwali area.

### Official Response

Senior officials, including DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni, SSP Anurag Arya, and District Magistrate Avinash Singh, swiftly reached the site to regain control of the situation. DM Singh assured the public, stating, “The situation is under control now. No untoward incident has been reported. We are appealing to people to maintain peace and harmony.”

A heavy police presence has been deployed at sensitive locations across the city to prevent any further escalation of violence.

### Maulana Raza’s Stand

In a video message, Maulana Tauqeer Raza denied reports about the protest’s postponement and accused the police and administration of conspiring against him. He said, “I will follow my earlier announcement. We will peacefully submit our memorandum to the President through the DM.”

Maulana Raza appealed to the public to join the movement responsibly, emphasizing peaceful intentions behind the demonstrations.

### Nationwide Unrest

This controversy first ignited on September 4 during a Barawafat procession, related to Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, in Kanpur. The display of an “I Love Muhammad” poster on a tent along the procession route led to objections from local Hindu groups.

Since then, the issue has spread beyond Uttar Pradesh, causing protests and police actions in states like Uttarakhand and Karnataka as well.

### Political Reactions

The political discourse surrounding the controversy has been intense. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the government’s reaction, asking why expressions of love for Muhammad were deemed anti-national. He compared it to the acceptance of “Happy Birthday” posters for political leaders, which are commonly allowed.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the BJP of inciting violence over the issue. In contrast, BJP’s top leadership has directed its members to avoid making unnecessary comments without prior approval.

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The situation remains sensitive, with authorities continuing efforts to maintain peace as the debate unfolds across several states.
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