**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.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/kanpur-i-love-muhammad-row-ex-constable-arrested-sp-links-surface/story

**Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row: Samajwadi Party Member Arrested**
*By Snehil Singh | September 29, 2025, 10:45 AM*

—

**Overview**

A former police constable, Zubair Ahmed Khan—also known as Zubair Gazi—has been arrested by police for allegedly inciting violence in Kanpur’s 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 gained widespread attention after their photos went viral on social media, sparking political controversy.

—

**Background: The Kanpur Communal Violence Case**

The controversy began on September 4 during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur, where a banner reading “I Love Muhammad” was displayed. Hindu groups objected to the slogan, alleging that it introduced a new tradition to religious processions.

Although no FIR was filed directly against the slogan, 24 individuals were charged with disturbing communal harmony for relocating a traditional tent and installing the banner elsewhere. This incident triggered tensions within the community.

—

**Political Escalation**

The situation intensified after All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi publicly stated on September 15 that expressing love for the Prophet Muhammad is not a crime. He further asserted, “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 (formerly Twitter).

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

—

**Protests and Reactions**

In neighboring regions, the issue has sparked diverse reactions:

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

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**Political and Social Responses**

The Samajwadi Party has criticized the police for their handling of the situation, emphasizing the importance of protecting free expression rights. On the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons have promised strict action against those violating the law.

Prominent Islamic clerics, including Maulana Sufiyan Nizami, members of Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa, and officials from the World Sufi Forum, have condemned the violence. They have appealed for calm and called for respect for constitutional freedoms.

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The Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ controversy highlights deep-rooted communal sensitivities and the challenge of maintaining peace amid political and social tensions. Authorities and community leaders continue to seek ways to defuse the situation and promote harmony.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/kanpur-i-love-muhammad-row-ex-constable-arrested-sp-links-surface/story

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

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

—

**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.

—

**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.

—

**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).

—

**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.

—

**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.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/kanpur-i-love-muhammad-row-ex-constable-arrested-sp-links-surface/story