Background of the Campaign

The “I Love Muhammad” campaign, initiated by Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan and the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, aimed to express affection and respect for the Prophet Muhammad. The campaign gained momentum when posters bearing the slogan were displayed during the Barawafat procession in Kanpur on September 4, 2025. This led to the registration of an FIR by Kanpur police, which subsequently sparked protests in various parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Bareilly.

District Magistrate’s Statement

Bareilly District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Singh disclosed that the district administration was aware of the campaign’s plans. He mentioned that representatives of the campaign, Nadeem and Nafeez, had assured the authorities of their intent to cancel the event. However, the situation changed when Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan released a video declaring the earlier agreement as fake and announced the continuation of the campaign as initially planned.

Legal Measures and Public Order

In response to the escalating tensions, the administration imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Bareilly. This section empowers magistrates to issue orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger, restricting unlawful assemblies and actions that could disrupt public tranquility. The DM emphasized that no event should be organized without prior permission, and the authorities were in regular contact with the campaign’s representatives to ensure compliance with legal norms.

Clashes and Police Response

Despite the administrative measures, protests erupted after Friday prayers, leading to stone-pelting and vehicle vandalism. The police responded with a lathi charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least ten police personnel were injured during the clashes. The authorities conducted flag marches and imposed curfews to restore order in the affected areas.

Arrests and Legal Actions

Following the unrest, Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan and seven others were arrested and sent to judicial custody for allegedly masterminding the violent clashes. The police identified over 500 individuals through video footage and CCTV recordings, with several detained for questioning. The authorities have vowed to take strict action against those involved in the disturbances.