KANPUR — Police in Uttar Pradesh have registered a case against more than two dozen people for allegedly installing boards reading “I Love Mohammad” and erecting a tent on a public road during Barawafat celebrations in Kanpur’s Syed Nagar. Officials said the move disturbed communal harmony and violated public-order rules.
According to authorities, the First Information Report (FIR) was lodged on 9 September at Rawatpur police station. The complaint, filed by Sub-Inspector Pankaj Sharma, names nine individuals and lists 15 others as unidentified. The named accused include Sharafat Hussain, Babu Ali, Mohammad Siraj, Rahman, Ikram Ahmed, Iqbal, Bunty, Kunnu ‘Kabadi’ and Sahnoor Alam, along with two vehicle drivers.
Hindu Organisations Object to “New Trend”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Dinesh Tripathi told reporters that several Hindu organisations objected to the boards, calling them a “new trend” and alleging that the displays were a deliberate provocation. The boards and tent were placed near a gate that traditionally serves as a route for the Ram Navami procession, heightening tensions.
“We tried to persuade them to remove the boards and tent as no new trend on public roads can be permitted. Their actions posed a potential threat to law and order. No one will be spared,” Tripathi said.
Mediation Attempts and Police Action
Police said they initially called Muslim clerics to mediate and convince organisers to take down the boards. However, those efforts failed. Authorities then removed the boards and tent themselves to restore peace in the area.
An official stated that the displays were dismantled “to prevent any escalation” and to ensure that upcoming religious processions pass without incident. CCTV footage collected from the area allegedly confirms the involvement of the accused, police added.
Charges of Disturbing Communal Harmony
The FIR includes sections related to disturbing communal harmony and unlawful assembly. These provisions are often invoked in sensitive religious disputes to prevent a breakdown of public order. Police say the accused “acted deliberately” to disrupt peace.
Station House Officer (Rawatpur) K.K. Mishra told local media: “This was a planned attempt to disrupt peace. Searches are on to arrest the absconding accused.”
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Community Reactions and Wider Debate
The incident has sparked reactions beyond Kanpur. Community leaders and social media users argue that displaying “I Love Mohammad” boards during the Prophet’s birth anniversary is a form of devotion, not provocation. Critics of the FIR say the action infringes on the right to religious expression. Supporters of the police move counter that blocking public roads and introducing new displays along traditional procession routes risks communal clashes.
The controversy has also drawn attention from politicians and clerics who have questioned whether the state applies the same standards to all religious groups. While no major protests have erupted yet, some groups in other cities have put up similar boards in solidarity, turning the local dispute into a national talking point.
Law and Order Versus Freedom of Expression
Authorities maintain that the action was purely about maintaining public order. By citing “no new trend” rules on public roads, the administration argues that any unauthorised display—regardless of religion—can be removed if it threatens to inflame tensions.
However, legal experts point out that Section 295A and related IPC provisions, meant to punish deliberate acts outraging religious feelings, are often applied in a way that restricts speech or expression. The Kanpur case highlights the delicate balance between religious freedom and state control over public space in India.
Next Steps
Police say arrests of the accused are underway. Investigators are reviewing additional CCTV footage and witness statements to build the case. If convicted, the accused could face penalties for unlawful assembly and promoting enmity between groups.
The administration has also signalled that it will closely monitor Barawafat and other religious processions in coming weeks to prevent similar incidents. For now, the “Kanpur I Love Mohammad boards” episode underscores how devotional displays in public places can quickly become flashpoints in India’s charged communal climate.
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