The &lsquo;I Love Muhammad&rsquo; row intensified in Uttar Pradesh on Friday as violent clashes broke out in Bareilly and Mau. What began as a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic after Friday prayers when protestors, carrying &lsquo;I Love Muhammad&rsquo; banners, clashed with police.
In Bareilly, a massive gathering at Islamia ground called by cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza of Ittehad-e-Millat Council &mdash; swelled rapidly. The protest, aimed at submitting a memorandum to the government, spiraled out of control after police denied last-minute permission. Tensions rose further when some protestors allegedly shouted objectionable slogans and hurled stones, prompting a baton charge. Over two dozen were detained as PAC and paramilitary forces were deployed to contain the unrest.
Similar scenes unfolded in Mau, where crowds carrying &lsquo;I Love Muhammad&rsquo; posters marched through the busy Mohamadabad Gohana market. Here too, police resorted to lathi-charge after clashes erupted.
The campaign began earlier this month in Kanpur, where an FIR was filed after police removed a tent displaying an &lsquo;I Love Muhammad&rsquo; poster. Since then, protests have spread to Lucknow, Kaushambi, Unnao, Kashipur, Hyderabad, and now Bareilly and Mau.
Amid the escalating tension, Varanasi police conducted flag marches on Friday evening, urging locals and tourists to &ldquo;maintain peace and not believe in rumours.&rdquo;
With demonstrations spreading across multiple cities, authorities remain on high alert to prevent further escalation.

Bareilly, Mau Clash Over ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row

Stone-pelting after Friday prayers triggers police lathi-charge; over two dozen arrested

Bareilly, Mau Clash Over ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row

Stone-pelting after Friday prayers triggers police lathi-charge; over two dozen arrested

September 27, 2025 | 14:36 IST