Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh | September 27, 2025

A massive protest in Bareilly turned chaotic on Friday, leading to the arrest of local cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief, Tauqeer Raza, whose video in support of the “I Love Muhammad” campaign had triggered widespread mobilization. Authorities confirmed that Raza was taken into custody on Saturday and is being interrogated. His arrest follows a day of disorder in Bareilly, where thousands gathered outside his residence carrying placards and chanting slogans.

District Administration’s Warning Ignored

According to District Magistrate Avinash Singh, Raza’s representatives had been clearly informed in advance that no march or procession would be allowed. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) had been invoked, restricting gatherings. “His side assured us that no protest would take place, but after Friday prayers some people attempted to march, which created tension,” Singh said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya added that while a large portion of the crowd dispersed peacefully after prayers, a smaller group tried to incite unrest. “We believe certain external criminal elements infiltrated the gathering to provoke violence,” Arya noted.

Stone Pelting, Lathi Charge, and Rising Tensions

Bareilly witnessed violent scenes after some protesters pelted stones at police personnel, prompting security forces to resort to a lathi charge. At least ten policemen were reported injured in the clash. Videos from the ground showed massive crowds outside Raza’s house waving placards with “I Love Muhammad” inscribed on them.

Authorities have since arrested seven additional individuals and detained over 40 others. A case has been registered against 1,700 unidentified people under charges of rioting, obstruction of government duty, and assault on police officials.

Unrest Spreads Beyond Bareilly

The Bareilly flare-up is part of a larger chain of protests connected to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign. Earlier this week, violence erupted in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar district where minority community members vandalized shops and vehicles. In Karnataka’s Davangere, clashes broke out between two groups after posters with the slogan appeared. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh districts including Mau, Unnao, Maharajganj, Lucknow, and Kaushambi have also witnessed similar disturbances in recent weeks.

Roots of the Controversy

The controversy traces back to September 4 in Kanpur, during the Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession, when a banner reading “I Love Muhammad” was displayed along a route where Hindu festivals such as Ram Navami are traditionally celebrated. Local Hindu groups objected, claiming the poster was a deliberate provocation.

This sparked accusations from both sides: Hindu groups alleged their banners were torn down, while Muslims said they were being targeted for expressing devotion to the Prophet. Social media amplified the divide, with #ILoveMuhammad trending widely.

Counter-Campaign Emerges: ‘I Love Mahadev’

In response, a counter-movement soon surfaced. Religious leaders in Varanasi and other parts of Uttar Pradesh launched demonstrations with placards declaring “I Love Mahadev.” They characterized their campaign as a defense of communal balance and a reaction to what they called “provocative attempts” aimed at disturbing peace.

Call for Calm Amid Fragile Peace

With protests spreading across multiple states and escalating into violent confrontations, senior officials have directed local administrations to adopt a zero-tolerance approach against lawbreakers. Bareilly police, meanwhile, continue to maintain a heavy presence across sensitive areas to prevent further escalation.

As cleric Tauqeer Raza undergoes questioning, authorities hope the swift crackdown will deter further unrest. Yet, the continuing ripple effect of the “I Love Muhammad” campaign and its counter “I Love Mahadev” response indicates that the row remains a flashpoint in Uttar Pradesh’s fragile communal equation.

 Bareilly Cleric’s Arrest Sparks Nationwide Unrest

The arrest of cleric Tauqeer Raza in Bareilly has intensified tensions across Uttar Pradesh and beyond. Raza, leader of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, was taken into custody after his video backing the “I Love Muhammad” campaign drew massive crowds outside his home. Despite prior warnings against gatherings, protests erupted after Friday prayers, turning violent with stone pelting and a police lathi charge. Over 40 people have been detained, and cases filed against 1,700 unidentified individuals. Similar demonstrations have spread to Gujarat, Karnataka, and other UP districts. The controversy continues to grow, with counter “I Love Mahadev” rallies also emerging.