Tensions on the rise in UP's Bareilly after ‘ I Love Muhammad’ row | Here's why

As the city reels in the aftermath of these clashes, tensions caused by the 'I Love Muhammad' row continue to linger in the city.

Updated on: Oct 3, 2025, 18:58:45 IST

By HT News Desk

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Tensions have once again gripped Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly. On Friday, internet services remained suspended in the UP city and security personnel has been deployed ahead of Friday prayers in mosques this evening.

People holding a banner reading 'I love Mohammad' stage a protest outside Naumahal Mosque after the Friday prayers over the 'I love Mohammad' row, in Bareilly (ANI )

This move comes after the city witnessed violent clashes last week after the cancellation of the demonstration due to the 'I Love Muhammad' row.

Also Read | Bareilly on high alert, security tightened ahead of Friday prayers amid 'I Love Muhammad' row

As the city reels in the aftermath of these clashes, tensions caused by the 'I Love Muhammad' row continue to linger in the city.

Why is Bareilly tense?

Last week, over 2,000 protestors clashed with police outside a mosque after Friday prayers. These protests subsequently led to the arrest of 81 people.

Maulana Tauqeer Raza, a cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief, who was later arrested by police, allegedly called for a protest in support of the 'I Love Muhammad' poster. However, the cleric made a last-minute announcement that the demonstration had been called off, resulting in unrest.

Due to the last-minute announcement, angry protestors gathered around Raza’s residence and a local nearby mosque with banners reading ‘I love Muhammad’.

Also Read | 'Maulana forgot…': Yogi Adityanath's warning after ‘I Love Muhammad’ protest sparks unrest in Bareilly

As police resorted to lathi charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd, some protestors began pelting stones, HT reported earlier.

"Law enforcement authorities had been engaging with people, urging them to conduct prayers peacefully. But, a group of agitators suddenly emerged, engaging in violent acts, including stone-pelting and firing. Comprehensive video and photographic evidence of the incident was captured,” Bareilly’s DIG AK Sahni told reporters.

What is the 'I Love Muhammad' row?

The row dates back to September 9, when an FIR was filed against 24 people for allegedly installing boards with “I Love Muhammad” written on them on during a Barawafat procession on September 4.

Hindu groups and organisations in the area objected to the posters and called it a "deliberate provocation."

The initial call for the protest made by Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan called for a procession to the district magistrate's house to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which penned their dissatisfaction with the FIR against the poster.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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