Bareilly, Sep 26 (NationPress) Legal cases have been initiated, and judicial actions are in progress following the unrest that erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly city on Friday. This occurred when a procession featuring posters and placards stating 'I Love Muhammad' defied police instructions to disperse, according to DIG of Bareilly, Ajay Sahni.

After Friday prayers, a significant crowd took to the streets, brandishing placards and posters proclaiming 'I Love Muhammad', while chanting slogans as they made their way towards Islamia Ground and Khalil School Chowk. The police intervened forcefully when the individuals shouting 'Nara-e-Taqbeer' refused to comply with orders to disperse.

As the gathering reached these locations, tensions escalated. Police made efforts to halt the crowd, which soon became unruly. Amid this chaos, stones were hurled at the police.

This led to a further deterioration of the situation. In response, police resorted to a baton charge. This abrupt measure triggered a stampede-like panic, causing widespread chaos in the vicinity.

During the protest, rioters damaged at least two motorcycles and targeted a shop. To regain control and suppress the turmoil, police conducted a baton charge, which ultimately caused the crowd to disperse.

Footwear, stones, and debris were left strewn within a 200-metre radius of Khalil Tiraha.

Upon becoming aware of the escalating situation, DIG Sahni, along with the City Superintendent of Police and other senior law enforcement and administrative officials, promptly arrived at the scene. A flag march was organized in the area to restore order and prevent further conflict. Presently, a substantial police presence is maintained in the area, and the situation is reported to be stabilized.

Speaking to the media, DIG Sahni remarked: 'A case has been registered, and legal proceedings are being ensured.'

The chief of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, had announced on September 26 that a crowd would gather at Islamia Ground after Friday prayers and march towards the Collectorate. In anticipation of the protest, a significant police force had been deployed across the city. The police administration stationed 4,700 officers and personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary, under the leadership of five Additional Superintendents and 13 Circle Officers (COs), to ensure safety. Surveillance through CCTV and drone cameras was also implemented.

AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi responded to the recent controversy surrounding the 'I Love Muhammad' posters and the counter-campaign where placards stating 'I Love Mahadev' were displayed at a gathering in Varanasi by religious leaders.

'If someone expresses love, what's the issue? What's wrong with stating love? What message are you sending to Muslim nations worldwide with this? What's the issue with 'I Love Mahadev'? It's part of their belief. This is effectively a social boycott of Muslims,' commented Owaisi.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also criticized the FIR filed by police in Kanpur for the use of the phrase 'I Love Muhammad.'

Abdullah questioned the legality of the FIR and the mental soundness of those who consider such expressions as 'unlawful.'