Mahadangal: Violent Clashes Erupt in Bareilly After Friday Prayers Over "I Love Muhammad" Campaign | ABP NEWS

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh witnessed violent clashes on Friday following the Jumma prayers as large crowds gathered carrying "I Love Muhammad" posters. The protest, reportedly sparked by a call from Maulana Tauqeer Raza, escalated quickly when demonstrators clashed with police. According to eyewitnesses, after the prayers, a large group began marching towards the Islamia Ground, where a planned protest was expected. Police, who had already deployed around 5,000 personnel anticipating unrest, attempted to stop the crowd using barricades. Tensions flared as some protesters allegedly began pelting stones at police officers, prompting a lathi charge. Shockingly, images showed minors holding stones, raising concerns about their involvement. This incident is part of a growing wave of protests in Uttar Pradesh and other states like Uttarakhand and Gujarat, linked to the "I Love Muhammad" campaign. The movement began after a poster during a religious procession in Kanpur on September 4 sparked controversy, leading to multiple FIRs. Maulana Tauqeer Raza, reportedly under house arrest during the incident, had earlier made provocative remarks, warning of severe consequences if Muslims "took to the streets." Authorities have since brought the situation under control and detained several individuals involved.