Kanpur FIR over Prophet slogan sparks protests in state; many held, booked

On Sunday evening, tensions escalated in Unnao district’s Gangaghat area after a group of people staged a march in support of the signboard.

According to police, protesters marched through the locality shouting slogans, which prompted security personnel to rush to the spot. When officers tried to stop the march, a heated argument broke out, and additional forces were deployed. Police said the situation was eventually brought under control with the intervention of local residents.

Later that night, police registered a case against eight identified persons and several unidentified persons for their alleged involvement in the incident, said Ajay Kumar Singh, Station House Officer, Gangaghat police station.

Officers said they are closely examining photographs and video clips of the protest to identify those involved. In addition, CCTV footage from cameras installed in and around the area is being collected and analysed to verify the role of those who participated in alleged unlawful activities.

The SHO said, “So far, five people have been arrested in the case. Efforts are on to trace and apprehend the remaining accused.”

In Pilibhit, police booked nine people in connection with the protest. “All nine persons were booked for breach of peace,” said Pradeep Bishnoi, Station House Officer, Jahanabad police station.

In Kaushambi’s Manjanpur area, police arrested three people for taking out a procession without prior permission. “The three persons have also been booked for breach of peace,” said Sunil Kumar Singh, Station House Officer, Manjanpur police station.

The case behind protests

On September 10, Kanpur police registered an FIR under charges including promoting enmity between different groups after a controversy erupted over the installation of the light board.

“‘ I love Mohammad’ lightboard was installed at the decorative gate… a departure from precedent… a new ritual was being deliberately introduced,” said the FIR.

According to police, tensions first flared on September 4, when the board was installed in front of Jafar Wali Gali in Mohalla Saiyad Nagar. Some people objected to the display, leading to heated exchanges. The situation was brought under control only after senior officials intervened, removed the board, and dispersed both groups. The board was later erected at a different location, officials said.

However, tensions resurfaced the next day during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur village, where unidentified youths allegedly tore religious posters. According to the FIR, an attempt was also made to put up a banner in the village, which resulted in communal tensions.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kanpur) Kapil Deo Singh said, “The FIR was lodged because new practices, different from the traditional trends during Barawafat, were introduced, which led to objections from certain sections of people.”