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

*By Snehil Singh | September 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 by the police for allegedly inciting violence in Kanpur’s Railbazar area. Khan, who was dismissed from the Unnao Police, had recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP). His association with the SP’s Kanpur district president Fazal Mehmood has sparked political controversy after photos of the duo went viral on social media.

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**What Sparked the Controversy?**

The incident traces back to September 4 during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur, Kanpur, where a banner displaying the slogan “I Love Muhammad” was unveiled. Several Hindu groups opposed the banner, claiming it introduced a new tradition into religious processions.

While no FIR was filed against the slogan itself, 24 people were charged with disturbing communal harmony after they relocated a traditional tent and installed the banner at another location, escalating tensions.

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**Political and Social Escalation**

The issue gained further momentum on September 15, when All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi spoke out, asserting that expressing love for the Prophet Muhammad is not a crime. He stated on social media platform X, “If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims should not be penalized for expressing love and respect for the Prophet.”

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 Responses**

– **Unnao:** Processions featuring “I Love Muhammad” banners led to clashes with the police.
– **Kaushambi:** A viral video showing youths chanting objectionable slogans resulted in multiple detentions.
– **Lucknow:** Muslim women held peaceful demonstrations outside Vidhan Bhavan.
– **Maharajganj and Kashipur:** Police intervened to stop unauthorized processions, registering cases against numerous individuals.
– **Nagpur:** Political and social groups organized protests demanding respect for religious freedom.

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**Political Reactions**

The Samajwadi Party has criticized the police for allegedly mishandling the situation and has stood in defense of free expression rights. On the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons have vowed strict action against those violating the law.

Prominent religious figures, including Maulana Sufiyan Nizami, representatives of Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa, and officials from the World Sufi Forum, have condemned the violence. They have called for calm and urged respect for constitutional freedoms.

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The Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ row continues to evoke strong reactions across India, highlighting the sensitive nature of communal sentiments and the ongoing debate around freedom of expression and religious respect.
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