**Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row: Samajwadi Party Member Arrested**

*By Snehil Singh | September 29, 2025 | 10:45 AM*

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**Overview**

Former police constable Zubair Ahmed Khan, also known as Zubair Gazi, has been arrested by police for allegedly inciting violence in Kanpur’s Railbazar area. Khan, who was dismissed from Unnao Police, had recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP), according to India Today. His association with SP’s Kanpur district president Fazal Mehmood has sparked political controversy after their photos went viral on social media.

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**Background: The Kanpur Communal Violence Case**

The controversy began on September 4 during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur, when a banner displaying the words “I Love Muhammad” was unveiled. Hindu groups opposed the slogan, claiming it introduced a new tradition into religious processions. Although no FIR was filed specifically against the slogan, 24 people were charged with disturbing communal harmony for relocating a traditional tent and installing the banner elsewhere.

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**Political Escalation**

The issue gained momentum when All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi reaffirmed on September 15 that expressing love for the Prophet is not a crime. He stated on X (formerly Twitter), “If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims should not be penalized for expressing love and respect for the Prophet.”

Since then, the controversy has spread across multiple districts and states, including Unnao, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh), Kashipur (Uttarakhand), and Nagpur (Maharashtra).

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**Protests and Reactions Across Districts and States**

– **Unnao:** Processions featuring “I Love Muhammad” banners clashed with police forces.

– **Kaushambi:** A viral video of youths chanting objectionable slogans resulted in several detentions.

– **Lucknow:** Muslim women held peaceful demonstrations outside Vidhan Bhavan.

– **Maharajganj and Kashipur (Uttarakhand):** Police intervened to stop unauthorized processions, registering cases against dozens of participants.

– **Nagpur (Maharashtra):** Political and social groups organized protests demanding respect for religious freedom.

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**Political Responses**

The Samajwadi Party has criticized police handling of the situation while defending the right to free expression. Conversely, Bharatiya Janata Party spokespersons have warned that lawbreakers will face strict action.

Prominent clerics, including Maulana Sufiyan Nizami, leaders from Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa, and officials from the World Sufi Forum, have condemned the violence. They have called for calm and urged respect for constitutional freedoms.

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The Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ row continues to evoke strong reactions, highlighting the delicate balance between communal harmony and freedom of expression in India’s diverse society.
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