Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ row: Samajwadi Party member arrested

**Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row: Samajwadi Party Member Arrested**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 29, 2025, 10:45 AM*

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**Overview**

A former police constable, Zubair Ahmed Khan—also known as Zubair Gazi—has been arrested in Kanpur for allegedly inciting violence in the Railbazar area. Khan, who was dismissed from the Unnao Police force, recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP). His association with SP’s Kanpur district president Fazal Mehmood stirred controversy after their photos went viral on social media.

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**Background: The Kanpur Communal Violence Case**

The controversy began on September 4 during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur, when a banner reading “I Love Muhammad” was displayed. Hindu groups opposed the slogan, claiming it introduced a new tradition into religious processions.

No FIR was filed against the slogan itself; however, 24 individuals were charged with disturbing communal harmony for relocating a traditional tent and installing the banner in a different location.

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**Political Escalation and Spread**

The situation escalated when All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi stated on September 15 that expressing love for the Prophet is not a crime. Owaisi further declared, “If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims should not be penalized for expressing love and respect for the Prophet,” in a post on X.

Since then, the controversy has spread beyond Kanpur to several districts and states, including Unnao, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh), Kashipur (Uttarakhand), and Nagpur (Maharashtra).

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**Protests and Law Enforcement Actions**

– **Unnao:** Processions carrying “I Love Muhammad” banners clashed with police forces.

– **Kaushambi:** A video showing youths chanting objectionable slogans went viral, resulting in several detentions.

– **Lucknow:** Muslim women staged peaceful demonstrations outside Vidhan Bhavan.

– **Maharajganj and Kashipur (Uttarakhand):** Police intervened to stop unauthorized processions and registered cases against dozens of individuals.

– **Nagpur (Maharashtra):** Political and social groups protested, demanding respect for religious freedom.

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**Responses from Political and Religious Leaders**

The Samajwadi Party has criticized the police for mishandling the situation while defending the right to free expression. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons emphasized that those breaking the law will face strict action.

Prominent religious clerics—including Maulana Sufiyan Nizami, members of Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa, and officials from the World Sufi Forum—have condemned the violence and urged calm, calling for respect for constitutional freedoms.

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**Conclusion**

The “I Love Muhammad” controversy continues to stir communal tensions across multiple regions, with protests, police action, and political statements shaping the unfolding events. Authorities and community leaders alike have called for peace and adherence to constitutional rights as the situation develops.
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