Tensions escalated in Barabanki and Mau districts as protests over the “I Love Muhammad” campaign turned violent in Bareilly with police carrying out overnight house-to-house raids to nab the culprits and arresting a prominent cleric.
Officials said on Saturday security forces have been deployed in strength and social media was being closely monitored to keep the situation under control.
On Friday night, following the clashes in Bareilly, tension erupted in Faizullaganj village in Barabanki district, located adjacent to the state capital, Lucknow, after a banner with the words “I Love Muhammad” was torn down.
One side alleged that a local watchman named Dhanni broke the rope with a stick and brought down the banner. Following this incident, members of one community gathered at the scene and expressed their displeasure. Members of the other community also began gathering, creating a tense atmosphere in the village.
Dhanni’s house was reportedly vandalised by some youths. Upon receiv
