Violence Erupts in Gujarat and Karnataka Over ‘I Love Muhammad’ Social Media Row; 60 Detained

Communal tensions flared up in parts of Gujarat and Karnataka, leading to incidents of stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson, stemming from a nationwide controversy surrounding the social media trend and slogan, ‘I Love Muhammad‘. Authorities have acted swiftly, detaining approximately 60 individuals in Gujarat following the clashes.

The latest wave of violence is an escalation of a controversy that initially began in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, over the display of a banner with the slogan ‘I Love Muhammad’ during a religious procession. The issue has since transcended its local origins, becoming a flashpoint across multiple states, fueling a counter-campaign on social media featuring slogans like ‘I Love Mahadev’.

Key Developments in Gujarat and Karnataka:

Gujarat Clashes and Detentions:

• Location: The most severe incident was reported in Bahiyal village, under Dehgam taluka of the Gandhinagar district.
• Trigger: The violence was reportedly sparked by an ‘objectionable’ WhatsApp status posted by a Hindu man, which referenced the ongoing social media trend and included a message relating to both ‘I Love Muhammad’ and ‘I Love Mahadev’.
• Violence and Vandalism: Late on Wednesday night, a large group from the minority community allegedly vandalized and broke the shutters of the shop belonging to the man who posted the status. Goods were reportedly looted and set on fire. The group later allegedly hurled stones at areas predominantly inhabited by the Hindu community, which was met with retaliation, leading to a stone-pelting clash.
• Damage: Officials confirmed that four shops and between five to six vehicles were damaged in the attack and ensuing rioting.
• Police Action: Heavy police security was immediately deployed to the village to bring the situation under control. The police have detained around 60 people in connection with the rioting and clashes, with efforts underway to identify all individuals involved in the violence.

Karnataka Altercation:

• Location: A similar incident of communal friction was reported in Davanagere, Karnataka, specifically in Karl Marx Nagar.
• Trigger: The incident began with a clash between youths from two communities over the placement of a banner or flex board reading ‘I love Muhammad’.
• Escalation: The dispute quickly escalated into a confrontation, with reports of stone-pelting.
• Status: Police reached the spot swiftly, dispersing the crowds and removing the controversial banner. Authorities have stated that the situation has since been brought under control and is peaceful, though inquiries into the stone-pelting are ongoing.

Context of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row:

The widespread ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign gained national traction following an FIR filed by police in Kanpur, UP, against certain individuals for displaying the banner during an Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession, which local Hindu groups had objected to as a “new tradition.” The subsequent police action was perceived by many in the Muslim community as criminalizing an expression of faith, leading to the massive viral campaign and subsequent protests and counter-reactions across the country.

Leaders, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, have publicly asserted that expressing ‘I Love Muhammad’ is a constitutional right protected under the freedom of religion.

Authorities in both Gujarat and Karnataka have urged citizens to maintain peace and refrain from sharing any inflammatory content on social media that could further incite communal disharmony. Security remains heightened in the affected areas.