Communal harmony was severely disrupted in parts of Gujarat and Karnataka following a national controversy sparked by the social media trend and slogan, ‘I Love Muhammad’. The unrest, which included incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and property destruction, has prompted swift police action, with authorities in Gujarat detaining a large group of people to restore order.
The latest wave of friction represents an escalation of an issue that began in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, over the public display of a banner reading ‘I Love Muhammad’ during a recent religious procession. The dispute has since transformed into a major cross-country flashpoint, inspiring a counter-trend featuring slogans like ‘I Love Mahadev’ and raising complex questions about religious expression and public order.
Key Flashpoints and Concrete Figures
Gujarat: Vandalism and Mass Detentions in Gandhinagar
The most severe incident was reported in Bahiyal village, located in the Dehgam taluka of the Gandhinagar district.
- Trigger: The violence was reportedly sparked by a provocative WhatsApp status posted by an individual that referenced the ongoing digital ‘I Love Muhammad’ trend and the ‘I Love Mahadev’ counter-slogan.
- The Incident: Late on Wednesday night, a group from the minority community allegedly targeted the shop of the man who posted the status, leading to vandalism, looting of goods, and arson. The conflict quickly escalated into a full-blown clash involving stone-pelting between groups from both communities.
- Confirmed Damage: Officials confirmed that four shops and an estimated five to six vehicles were damaged or burnt during the rioting.
- Police Response: Heavy security was immediately deployed. Police have detained approximately 60 individuals in connection with the rioting and are continuing efforts to identify all those involved in the violence.
Karnataka: Prompt Action in Davanagere
A separate incident of communal friction was reported in Karl Marx Nagar, Davanagere, Karnataka.
- Trigger: The dispute began as a confrontation between youths from two communities over the placement of a banner or flex board carrying the ‘I Love Muhammad’ message.
- Escalation: The verbal dispute quickly escalated into a physical confrontation with reports of stone-pelting.
- Status: Police reached the spot without delay, successfully dispersed the crowds, and removed the controversial banner. Authorities have since confirmed that the situation is under control and remains peaceful, though investigations into the initial stone-pelting are ongoing.
Wider Context of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row
The campaign gained national traction following the FIR filed by police in Kanpur, UP, against certain individuals for displaying the banner. This police action was viewed by many in the Muslim community as a move to criminalize a fundamental expression of faith, which in turn spurred the massive viral campaign, digital solidarity, and subsequent physical protests and counter-reactions nationwide.
Prominent political and religious leaders, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, have publicly defended the campaign, asserting that expressing ‘I Love Muhammad’ is a constitutional right protected under the fundamental freedom of religion (Article 25).
Authorities in both Gujarat and Karnataka have issued strong appeals to the public to prioritize peace and immediately stop sharing any inflammatory or provocative material on social media platforms that could further incite communal tensions. Security personnel remain on high alert in the affected zones.
