Violence Erupts in UP Over 'I Love Muhammad' Campaign: Key Developments

Escalating Tensions in Uttar Pradesh

Bareilly/Barabanki/Varanasi (UP): Protests surrounding the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign have escalated into violence in Bareilly, prompting police to conduct extensive overnight raids to apprehend suspects, including a well-known cleric.

Authorities reported on Saturday that a significant police presence has been established, and social media is under close surveillance to maintain order.

Tensions flared in Faizullaganj village of Barabanki district after a banner proclaiming 'I Love Muhammad' was destroyed on Friday night.

Allegations arose that a local watchman, Dhanni, used a stick to dismantle the banner, leading to a gathering of community members who expressed their outrage.

This prompted another group to assemble, heightening the already charged atmosphere.

Reports indicate that Dhanni's residence was vandalized by local youths. In response, police quickly mobilized, with senior officers arriving at the scene.

Dhanni's wife claimed that intruders broke into their home, causing damage and stealing items. CCTV footage from a nearby mosque captured the incident, showing Dhanni toppling the banner. The police have secured this video as part of their investigation.

Ajay Singh, the public relations officer for the superintendent of police, confirmed that a dispute over the banner's removal had occurred, but peace has since been restored.

In Mau district, a procession chanting 'I Love Muhammad' took place in the Nai Bazaar area following Friday prayers, but police intervened with batons to disperse the crowd. A video of this incident circulated widely on social media.

Mau's SP Ilamaran stated that law enforcement is actively monitoring social media and responding to developments related to the situation.

In Varanasi, police arrested several individuals for allegedly participating in an unauthorized procession displaying 'I Love Muhammad' banners on September 22, which authorities deemed a threat to communal harmony.

Seven individuals were detained in the Sigra area, along with a juvenile from Lallapura, following reports of a group obstructing traffic and creating disturbances.

The police noted that this behavior instilled significant fear and anger among local residents, suggesting a deliberate effort to assert dominance over other communities.

Currently, over 500 individuals are being identified through video footage and CCTV in Bareilly.

Police conducted door-to-door searches from late Friday into Saturday morning, apprehending several suspects while continuing their search for others. Maulana Tauqeer Raza, president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Parishad, is among those detained for allegedly inciting protests in support of the campaign.

Bareilly District Magistrate Avnish Singh reported that the situation is now stable, with schools, colleges, and businesses operating normally. Six cases have been filed across various police stations in Bareilly.

According to Bareilly's Deputy Inspector General of Police Ajay Kumar Sahni, investigations indicate that the unrest was not spontaneous but rather a premeditated conspiracy, with some local politicians potentially implicated.

Sahni warned that those who disrupt peace in Bareilly will face imprisonment and action under the Goondas Act and the National Security Act (NSA).