Tension broke out in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday evening after objectionable remarks against Prophet Muhammad. The incident led to hundreds of people gathering outside Sadar Kotwali police station, raising slogans and demanding strict action against the accused.
The uproar began after a local resident, identified as KK Dixit from Bahaduran, allegedly made derogatory remarks about the Prophet and the Quran on social media. Members of the Idgah Committee informed the police, and the accused was arrested. An FIR has also been registered.
Qasim Raza, a member of the Idgah Committee, said, “The accused has abused on social media. The police have arrested him, but I demand that such people should be given the harshest punishment. People’s anger is justified, but I appeal to everyone to maintain peace. We should not take the law into our hands.”
Despite the arrest, the crowd refused to disperse and continued protesting for several hours. The situation grew tense, forcing police to use mild force to control the mob, which resulted in a brief stampede. Slippers and belongings were left scattered on the road as people fled in panic.
Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi confirmed that immediate action had been taken. “A case was registered and the accused was arrested. I appeal to the public not to believe in rumours and remain calm. The police have brought the situation under control,” he said.
District Magistrate Dharmendra Pratap Singh added, “An FIR has been registered, and the accused is in custody. Some people are still sitting on the road, and we are trying to convince them. There is no report of stone pelting.”
Police teams along with forces from seven police stations and QRT conducted a flag march in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation. The commotion lasted for nearly three hours before the situation was brought under control.
