Security personnel lathi-charge protesters during a demonstration over the issue of ‘I Love Mohammad’ posters, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (PTI Photo)
Tension erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly on Friday afternoon when several groups took out processions, carrying placards reading “I Love Mohammad”, in the Kotwali and Baradari areas of the city soon after prayers at a local mosque.
Police officers said that when the procession was stopped and asked to disperse, an argument broke out between protestors and the police. Police said the situation escalated when some members of the crowd began pelting stones — damaging vehicles and forcing people in the vicinity to run for cover — and raised provocative slogans, triggering tension across parts of the city.
The situation was eventually brought under control after security personnel used force to disperse the crowd.
“The situation has been brought under control. We are conducting flag marches in the affected areas to maintain peace,” said Circle Officer of Bareilly, Ashutosh Shivam.
He added that so far, police have not received any information about injuries to any individual during the clashes. No case has been filed so far.
Bareilly: Security personnel lathi-charge protesters during a demonstration over the issue of ‘I Love Mohammad’ posters, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (PTI Photo)(PTI09_26_2025_000310B)
Heavy deployment of police personnel was put in place across sensitive areas of the district in view of the Friday prayers and the ongoing protests across the state in support of the “I Love Mohammad” banner.
The additional security arrangements, coupled with continuous patrolling, helped the administration respond swiftly and prevent the situation from escalating further, said a police officer.
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The protest in Bareilly and other parts comes days after an FIR was lodged by Kanpur police over a light board displaying the message, “I love Mohammad”, which was put up as part of decorations for the annual Barawafat procession to commemorate the birth of Prophet Mohammad.
According to the police, the board was installed in front of Jafar Wali Gali in Mohalla Saiyad Nagar, an area with a mixed population in Kanpur.
Police said that on September 4, some locals opposed the installation, calling it an attempt to introduce a “new practice.” Attempts to remove the board led to a heated exchange and tensions in the area, and senior police officers had to intervene to calm tempers. Eventually, the board was removed and relocated.
On September 5, when the Barawafat procession was underway, unidentified youths allegedly tore down religious posters installed by Hindu outfits, police said.
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On September 10, police registered an FIR at the Rawatpur police station and named nine persons, including the procession organisers, and 15 unidentified individuals.
Police clarified that the FIR was not registered in connection with the board but the tearing of religious posters. Officials explained that the reference to the board was included in the complaint only to present the sequence of events leading up to the tension.
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