Bareilly Violence Erupts Over 'I Love Muhammad' Campaign

Bareilly violence erupted in late September 2025 in Uttar Pradesh, triggered by protests over the “I Love Muhammad” campaign. The unrest began when a large crowd, called by Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, gathered outside a mosque and public venues after Friday prayers to demonstrate support for the campaign, which sought to affirm religious identity through slogans and placards. Despite the authorities denying permission for the gathering, the crowd proceeded, leading to stone-pelting, use of crude weapons, and clashes with police forces who had to resort to lathi charges to control the situation. The violence resulted in injuries to police personnel, detentions of over 80 individuals, including prominent clerics, and several arrests.

The “I Love Muhammad” campaign originally surfaced in Kanpur with boards displayed during a religious procession, which offended certain groups and ignited tensions that spread to Bareilly and other districts. The protests were marked by slogans ranging from peaceful to incendiary, creating a volatile atmosphere that escalated into communal clashes. The authorities reacted by imposing a 48-hour internet and mobile service suspension in Bareilly and surrounding districts to prevent the spread of rumours and further violence, deploying security personnel including police, Provincial Armed Constabulary, Rapid Action Force, and even drones to maintain order.

The unrest's complexity lies in its communal and political undertones, with different groups attributing varying meanings and intentions to the slogans and demonstrations. Some voices in the community called for lawful patience, urging people not to take the law into their own hands, while others condemned the authorities for mishandling the situation. The situation put Bareilly under high alert as Dussehra festivities coincided with these tensions, raising concerns about possible spillovers into neighbouring areas.

From a neutral perspective, the Bareilly incident highlights the delicate balance between freedom of religious expression and the responsibility of maintaining public order in a diverse society. The rapid escalation from a peaceful religious expression to violent clashes underscores the challenges faced in managing public sentiment and administrative responses in communal contexts. It also illustrates the significant role of communication channels like social media in either calming or inflaming public opinion, prompting authorities to impose internet restrictions during sensitive periods.

The incident serves as a reminder that any public demonstration tied to religious sentiments requires cautious handling, proactive dialogue between community leaders and authorities, and careful consideration of the impact on wider society. While the right to express religious beliefs is fundamental, the maintenance of peace and safety for all citizens remains paramount, calling for efforts to foster mutual respect and understanding among diverse groups within the community.

Authorities continue investigations to hold accountable those who instigated violence while trying to restore normalcy and confidence among residents.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies